Why Fall is the Best Time for Sports Facility Planning 

As fall sports fill the schedule and athletes take the field, facility improvements might not be top of mind, but now is the best time to start planning your next sports construction project. 

While games are being played and practices continue, the off-season will be here before you know it, and early preparation can make all the difference. At Nemaha Sports Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how early planning leads to a smoother construction process. 

Here’s why getting started this fall sets your project up for success next year.

Get Ahead on Design, Budgeting, and Approvals

A great athletic facility begins with a well-planned approach. Beginning your project in the fall gives you time to:

  • Assess your existing fields and infrastructure 
  • Collaborate on design layouts and performance needs 
  • Refine your budget and explore cost-saving alternatives 
  • Secure administrative and board approvals

Taking these steps early keeps your project moving and positions you to start construction as soon as weather conditions improve in the spring.

Secure Your Spot on the Construction Schedule

Summer is the peak season for athletic facility construction. Contractors’ schedules fill up quickly, and material lead times can stretch as demand increases. Starting the planning process in the fall ensures:

  • You secure a spot on your preferred contractor’s schedule 
  • You have time to order materials 
  • You avoid the risk of project delays

By the time spring arrives, your project can move straight into the construction phase.

Align With Funding and Bid Timelines

Starting your planning process in the fall allows you to:

  • Finalize scope and bid packages ahead of funding cycles 
  • Submit for board approval or grant funding early 
  • Be ready to break ground right after budgets are approved

This approach helps you make the most of available funds and stay competitive in the bid process.

Use the Winter Months Wisely

While outdoor construction slows down in the winter, sports facility planning doesn’t have to. The colder months are perfect for:

  • Completing detailed design work 
  • Securing permits and approvals 
  • Ordering long-lead materials 
  • Coordinating logistics and construction sequencing 

This proactive approach allows for a seamless transition from planning to execution once spring weather hits.

Reduce Impact on Athletic Schedules

Early planning helps minimize downtime for your athletes and community. By scheduling construction in advance, you can ensure fields are ready in time for key sports seasons or events—and avoid disruptions to practices and games.

Set Your Next Project Up for Success

From synthetic turf field installations and running tracks to complete sports complex construction, Nemaha Sports Construction partners with schools, universities, and municipalities to deliver high-performing athletic facilities that last. 

Our preconstruction team can help you evaluate your site, explore design options, and develop a plan that fits your budget and timeline—so your athletes can take the field next summer on a facility built for performance.

Contact Nemaha Sports Construction today to begin planning your next sports field project.