News & Insights
Vanderbilt University: Building the future of athletics
Why this matters now
Athletics programs are under increasing pressure to deliver exceptional experiences for fans, student-athletes, recruits, and campus communities while making the most of existing facilities and infrastructure investments. Universities are expected to support everything from live events and broadcasts to daily operations, all while maintaining reliable performance across multiple venues and evolving campus needs.
For many institutions, the challenge extends beyond individual buildings. Athletic districts often grow over time through renovations, expansions, and facility upgrades completed in different phases. As a result, technology systems, infrastructure, and operational standards can become fragmented across venues. Leaders are looking for ways to create more connected, flexible environments that support a consistent experience while preparing for future growth.
The ability to seamlessly transition between events, share resources across facilities, and support modern digital experiences has become an important consideration for colleges and universities seeking to remain competitive and enhance campus engagement.
What leaders are weighing
Creating a connected athletics environment requires balancing several competing priorities. Institutions must modernize technology and infrastructure while maintaining operations during active sports seasons and campus events. Renovations often need to occur in tight spaces, adjacent to occupied facilities, and on schedules that minimize disruption to athletes, staff, and visitors.
Leaders also face decisions about how much integration is necessary to support long-term goals. Investments in audiovisual systems, networking, data infrastructure, broadcast capabilities, acoustics, and facility power all contribute to the overall experience, but each decision affects costs, schedules, operations, and future flexibility.
The question is rarely about a single system. It is about how multiple facilities and disciplines work together to support both current needs and long-term campus objectives.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Salas O’Brien helps higher education clients evaluate how technology, infrastructure, and building systems can work together to support connected, high-performing environments. Our teams help answer questions about operational continuity, infrastructure readiness, venue integration, and future scalability before critical decisions are made.
At Vanderbilt University’s Athletics Village, this multidisciplinary approach included technology solutions spanning audiovisual, broadcast, acoustics, data infrastructure, and security systems, alongside the MEP infrastructure that powers and supports campus operations. By bringing expertise from multiple disciplines, teams can better coordinate complex projects, navigate phased renovations, and maintain functionality throughout implementation.
David Battershell, RCDD, CTS-D
David Battershell leads teams to design technology for commercially successful entertainment venues, hotels, and sports venues. He understands the pressures clients face with the rapid pace of change and is adept at designing complex systems reliant on the interaction of many systems (IT, AV, security, DAS, and building management systems). David serves as a Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Justin Stoll
Justin Stoll is an expert in professional and major collegiate production. With experience as an operator in the broadcast space, Justin has directed and produced for networks such as ESPN, the SEC Network, and the ACC Network. His extensive experience includes designing, operating, integrating, and project-leading NCAA Power 5 Stadium and Arena LED systems, broadcast control rooms, and complex production facilities