High school athletics can be the backbone of a community. In the South, weather conditions regularly include scorching summer heat with temperatures over 100 degrees, heavy rainfall, and dangerous lightning. This not only hinders a teams' ability to train effectively but also poses potential safety risks for student-athletes.
Indoor practice fields offer advantages like year-round training, better turf quality, controlled environments, and predictable field sizes compared to outdoor fields. Having indoor practice facilities for high school sports, especially football, has become increasingly common and sought after across Texas in recent decades, with over 200 such facilities already constructed.
Situation: Need for a State-of-the-Art Indoor Practice Facility
In Lindale, Texas, like many communities across Texas and the South, athletics are deeply woven into the fabric of the people who live there. The Lindale Independent School District (ISD) has a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence. Additionally, the district’s award-winning, UIL State Champion marching band and drill team lacked a suitable indoor space for rehearsals during inclement weather.
To address these issues, Lindale ISD proposed a bond package in 2018. The bond package for high school expansion included an indoor practice facility to feature an 80-yard indoor field, with net dividers to allow multiple teams to practice indoors at the same time. Between the gym and indoor facility, students will be able to safely practice out of the elements when the need arises.
The community overwhelmingly supported the initiative, recognizing the importance of providing top-notch facilities for their student-athletes and performers.
Solution: Partnering with Tyler Building Systems
With the bond package approved, Lindale ISD began the process of bringing their vision to life. Harris Craig Architects served as the architect for the project and Jackson Construction served as the general contractor for the construction of the Lindale High School Multi-Purpose Indoor Practice Facility. They sought a metal building manufacturer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, customized solutions.
Tyler Building Systems (TBS) has been a trusted name in East Texas metal building manufacturing for over 50 years, known for being easy to work with metal building experts with a focus on excellence. TBS was selected for this project due to their long-standing relationships with the project's architect, Harris Craig Architects, and the general contractor, Jackson Construction. Both firms had worked with TBS on previous projects and were impressed by their ability to deliver on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality.
From the outset, TBS collaborated closely with the architect and contractor to ensure a seamless design and construction process. Their early involvement allowed for valuable input and prevented potential delays or additional requests for information (RFIs) down the line.
The Lindale Indoor Field was envisioned as a multipurpose facility that could accommodate various sports teams, the marching band, and the drill team. TBS worked closely with the design team to create a 63,705 square foot, clear-span building with an 80-yard synthetic turf field.
With the design finalized, TBS moved into the metal building manufacturing phase, working hand-in-hand with Jackson Construction to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Despite facing challenges such as a rainy season during construction, TBS and the contractor were able to maintain the schedule, making up for any rain delays by coordinating with other trades.
One notable aspect of the project was TBS's attention to detail to adhere to the architectural design. For example, they recommended installing downspout straps every 2 feet instead of the standard 4 feet, ensuring optimal water drainage and preventing potential leaks or water damage.
Throughout the construction process, TBS maintained open communication with the architect, contractor, and Lindale ISD, addressing any concerns or questions that arose and ensuring that the project remained on track.
Success: An Indoor Field that Exceeds Expectations
Upon completion in 2020, the Lindale Indoor Field exceeded all expectations, becoming a true showcase of excellence for the district and the community.
The facility's versatility and customized features have allowed Lindale ISD to maximize its use for various sports teams, the marching band, and the drill team. The mechanically lowered divider net and retractable cages have enabled multiple groups to practice simultaneously, optimizing the use of space and time.
The energy-efficient design, with its insulation and natural lighting, has created a comfortable and inviting environment for student-athletes and performers, while also contributing to cost savings for the district.
Perhaps most importantly, the Lindale Indoor Field has provided a safe and controlled environment for training and practice, shielding student-athletes and performers from the unpredictable weather conditions that previously hindered their progress.
The success of the Lindale Indoor Field project highlights the many reasons why Tyler Building Systems is a premier choice for manufacturing indoor practice facilities:
Expertise and Experience: With decades of experience in the metal building industry, TBS has a deep understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with indoor practice facilities. Their expertise ensures that every project is executed with precision and attention to detail.
Customization Capabilities: TBS recognizes that every client's needs are unique. Their ability to customize designs and incorporate specialized features, such as retractable netting and divider walls, ensures that each facility is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the client.
Collaborative Approach: From the initial design phase to the final construction, TBS works closely with architects, contractors, and clients, with open communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This collaborative approach minimizes potential issues and ensures a smooth project delivery.
Quality and Durability: TBS is committed to using high-quality materials and adhering to strict manufacturing standards. Their buildings are designed to withstand the test of time, providing a long-lasting investment for clients.
On-Time and On-Budget Delivery: With a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget, TBS understands the importance of meeting deadlines and staying within financial constraints.
Exceptional Customer Service: TBS prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that clients feel supported and valued throughout the entire process. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident in the numerous successful projects they have delivered.
As the demand for indoor practice facilities continues to grow, Tyler Building Systems stands ready to partner with schools, universities, and organizations across the South, delivering state-of-the-art facilities that foster athletic and artistic excellence.
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