Citynet Center at The Bridge Sports Complex Bridgeport, W.V.

Project Description:

The Citynet Center at The Bridge Sports Complex is designed to serve as a regional competition athletics facility along with being a community asset to enhance the lives of the residents of Bridgeport and the surrounding region. The primary function of the facility is to act as a sports tournament destination venue to attract visitors from the area and to spur economic development.

To serve community needs, the building is also programmed with a variety of social and activity spaces to serve day-to-day user and to improve the lives of Bridgeport residents directly. Accompanying the sports spaces are an open fitness center, a group exercise studio, a clip-n-climb, and an elevated walking/jogging track. There are also team meeting rooms that can double as public gathering spaces.

Key issues considered in the facility design included providing great competition venues with quality play areas, exceptional spectator views and access, and ease of building operations. Equally important to success was ensuring there are suitable spaces outside the competition areas for gathering, dining, rest and activities beyond athletics to serve the patron and guest as much as the athlete. To that point, the facility is organized to allow for visual access between primary spaces through open and inviting concourses and clear wayfinding.

The Bridge exceeded its first-year program use, league and membership goals by the end of its first month of operation. The community has embraced the facility locally and regionally, establishing it as a major sports tournament venue for northern West Virginia.