University of California San Diego
Home Plate Sports Café
Salas O’Brien supported this client’s LEED green initiative through sustainably focused mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services.
Our client
Located in the RIMAX Annex building adjacent to the UC San Diego Softball field, Home Plate Sports Café uses themed décor, high-protein food, and large TV displays to immerse patrons in their favorite sports experience.
Project highlights
Their challenge
The RIMAX Annex is a green building that has been submitted for LEED certification, so the university was eager to have an engineering partner for the café that would support and further the building’s efficiency goals.
Our solution
Salas O’Brien provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for tenant improvement in the space. Our engineers achieved sustainable, comfortable designs that utilize high-efficiency lighting, including LED light fixtures and other energy-efficiency boosters. In addition, the commercial kitchen was designed with the latest in culinary ventilation systems.
The results
The finished building features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring natural light to the space, and outdoor dining flows easily from the indoor areas. Inside, an upper-level lounge with pool table, couches, and additional TV displays overlooks the main dining area and provides comfortable privacy for groups while maintaining a feeling of openness and connectivity.


