How does architecture tie into the release of College Football 25?

After 11 years, the day college football fans of all ages have been eagerly awaiting is finally here – the drop of EA Sports’ College Football 25!

College Football 25, also known as NCAA 25, allows gamers to play as their favorite college football team, building records and strengthening players along the way. To add to the hype, players are virtually immersed into the college football atmosphere that is so deeply coveted. The game goes as far as having rivalry matchups on the home turf with contributing factors such as crowd noise to contend against.

Surprisingly, Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) has played a pivotal, albeit behind-the-scenes role in shaping the immersive experience. Of the eligible college teams, GMC designed three of their stadiums featured in the new game, including Jacksonville State University’s new football operations complex, set to be completed later this month; various upgrades and gameday enhancements at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium; and UAB’s Protective Stadium, in partnership with lead design firm Populous.

JSU’s AmFirst Stadium features a two-level facility in the west end zone, known as the Loring and Debbie White Football Complex, designed by GMC. The complex is just as new as NCAA 25, as the ribbon cutting will be held July 27, 2024. The new football facility can be seen in the video game as the team runs onto the field, as well as when the game starts on the opening kick.

GMC Sports has worked on more than 60 projects at Auburn University over the last decade, including several at Jordan-Hare Stadium that are featured throughout the video game. Modifications to the south end zone resulted in the Tigers’ having the largest videoboard in college football at 10,530 square feet. It has become an iconic landmark that resonates with players and fans alike and was named one of ENR Southeast’s Best Projects following its completion in 2015.

GMC also designed the Harbert Family Recruiting Center and southwest end zone renovations, completed in 2018, which expanded gameday and recruiting amenities with additions such as the Tiger Walk Club, a new press box and the exclusive Heisman Room. Several exciting projects are currently in the works at the Tigers’ home stadium, including a new north end zone videoboard, the Locker Room Club and field suites.

UAB started playing in Protective Stadium in 2021. Rather than designing a portion of JSU and Auburn’s stadiums, GMC had a hand in the full design of Protective Stadium in partnership with Populous. Protective Stadium sits in the heart of downtown Birmingham, which is highlighted in NCAA 25 as gamers can see the notable skyline in the background. Although the UAB Blazers are the highlighted team for the newly released game, Protective Stadium is also home to the Birmingham Legion FC, UFL Stallions, the Ticketmaster Birmingham Bowl, concerts and more.

As the dust settles on the launch of NCAA 25, GMC reflects proudly on its role in bringing the game’s stadiums to life. From the drawing board, now to the digital realm, our team has helped create exemplary stadiums that capture the essence of game day, which now can be experienced worldwide.