Aviator Sports and Events Center, located at Floyd Bennett Field—New York City’s first municipal airport—honors the legacy of aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes. This 8.4-acre, multi-use complex repurposes four historic airplane hangars into a 150,000 sq. ft. indoor sports facility, featuring two regulation-size hockey rinks, a versatile gymnasium, gymnastics center, fitness area, and indoor climbing wall.
Outside, 200,000 sq. ft. of synthetic turf fields accommodate soccer, football, and lacrosse, designed to NCAA standards. The site also includes landscaping, parking, and stadium seating. The fields were built atop the existing tarmac, preserving the site’s historical integrity and minimizing demolition.
The design seamlessly blends the hangars’ historic forms with modern amenities, creating a unique sports venue that celebrates Floyd Bennett Field’s history while meeting the needs of today’s athletes. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project, with natural lighting, reduced light pollution, and a high-efficiency cogeneration plant that delivers heat and energy at an impressive 89% efficiency.
Planning Aviator
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Completion
2022
Area
150,000 sq. ft. Interior Amenities
200,000 sq. ft. Outdoor Athletic Fields
Client
Aviator Sports & Events Center
National Park Service
Recognition
Winner: 2008 Building Brooklyn Award, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce