New Toronto Raptors Training Facility

Toronto, Canada

This state-of-the-art training facility for the NBA's Toronto Raptors represents a significant upgrade from their existing practice centre while also better representing the team’s rising presence.

New Toronto Raptors Training Facility

Toronto, Canada

This state-of-the-art training facility for the NBA's Toronto Raptors represents a significant upgrade from their existing practice centre while also better representing the team’s rising presence.

At approximately 6,480 m², the BioSteel Centre is a two-storey training facility that accommodates two NBA-sized practice courts, a technologically advanced operations centre for the team’s management and front office staff, state-of-the-art locker rooms , as well as additional dressing rooms, a large fitness and weight room, and an extensive medical and rehabilitation area, including cold and hot tubs. The facility also features 27 protected parking spaces and a player lounge with dining room, kitchen, and outdoor terraces.

location

Toronto, Canada

Budget

$30 M

Role

Structural Engineering and Building Envelope Consultant

Architect

Guernsey Architects (Design Architect); Baldwin & Franklin Architects (Executive Architect)

Client

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment

Size

6,480 m² (69,750 ft²)

Challenge

The building’s design concept included a central double gymnasium surrounded by offices, fitness areas, and change rooms, which required a mix of clear circulation and views into the gymnasium.

Solution

Entuitive assisted in achieving this vision by developing a structural steel framing system that was free of vertical cross bracing on the ground floor. Cross bracing was only introduced in the walls of the upper level of the gym, which, combined with heavier columns at this perimeter, provided a highly efficient bracing system for the building.