DESIGNWORKS 2023

Charleston Tennis LLC Credit One Stadium

Charleston, SC

LS3P, Charleston

Swinging into a new era of stadium design! Crafted with custom millwork and tennis-inspired finesse, each detail smashes expectations for an unforgettable experience.

The design team was challenged to transform an aging stadium into a world-class venue that elevates the experiences of athletes, performers, and patrons alike. Home to the largest women-only tennis tournament in North America and one of the largest concert venues in the area, the stadium required design solutions to accommodate diverse users. Amenity spaces needed to be luxurious enough to compete with those of the Grand Slam tournaments around the world to draw top competitors year after year. The team needed to consider how each space would be used and curate an aesthetic that could evolve from day to night; bright, airy environments are favorable for day tennis, shifting to a subdued aesthetic which is keenly focused on center court by night. The design team used custom millwork elements with carefully curated materials to meet these goals.

Collectively, the renovation of the tennis stadium interior is a harmonious symphony of craftsmanship and design innovation. Each space is tailored to fulfill its distinct purpose, creating a seamless blend of functionality and elegance that elevates the stadium’s atmosphere.

In the Club Room, millwork features define separate areas for socializing. The dining zone combines natural elements like acoustical moss, metal, and wood for a modern yet calming atmosphere. The lounge zone features a unique wood slat ceiling with circular cutouts where acoustic pendants drop through, echoing the circular motif found in the corresponding tile flooring. The metal and wood millwork at the Club bar provides bottle display and serves as a surround for the fold-up window leading to the rooftop deck, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Entering the player’s lounge, backlit terracotta breeze blocks encased by a wooden arch adds texture and contrast.

The Sponsor Suite features a wood ceiling that obscures the exposed elements above. The dynamic pattern created by the wood slats is continuous when the operable partition is open, unifying the two sides of the room.

In the Private Suites, wood slats become a defining design element, creating a sense of intimacy and warmth. These slats cleverly hide exposed ceiling elements while casting a soft glow during evening events, contributing to an ambient glow that doesn’t distract performers when the stadium lights are down during performances.

In the Lobby, wood slats, flanked with acoustical moss, define the concierge desk area, providing a soft and natural element to this active space. The same slats reappear at the “Champions Wall,” a 3-dimensional bar graph of past winners designed to grow each year.
Within the Player’s lounge, a serene ambiance takes center stage. Stained wood tiles grace the social zone, offering a soothing backdrop for relaxation and conversation. The Golf Simulator area is surrounded by a modern board and batten wall, creating a contrasting focal point.

The design draws on custom millwork and thoughtful touches that subtly reference the tennis ball and racquet. These elements define various spaces while maintaining a consistent visual theme throughout the stadium.