McAdams, a national engineering firm headquartered in Texas, disclosed on September 28 that it has completed the acquisition of Sports Design Group, a McKinney‑based firm that has designed and overseen construction of more than 250 synthetic‑turf fields and 150 natural‑grass fields nationwide.
Local expertise joins a national platform
Founded in 2006, Sports Design Group has built a reputation for delivering athletic facilities for K‑12 schools, colleges, municipalities and professional sports venues. The firm’s portfolio includes projects for Grapevine‑Colleyville ISD, Frisco ISD and McKinney ISD, as well as venues used by NFL and MLB teams.
Founder Richard McDonald will remain with the combined company as a senior advisor on sports projects. “Sports Design Group has always been focused on understanding what our clients need and helping them create athletic facilities that perform for the people who use them,” McDonald said in a statement. “Joining McAdams gives the firm an opportunity to continue doing that while bringing additional expertise and capabilities to our clients. It’s exciting to see what our firms will be able to accomplish together.”
Why the acquisition matters for Texas and beyond
McAdams CEO Mike Munn highlighted the strategic fit, noting that the depth of Sports Design Group’s technical knowledge enhances McAdams’ in‑house capabilities. “When you look at the breadth of SDG’s experience, from school district facilities across Texas to some of the most recognizable venues in professional and college sports, it’s impressive,” Munn said. “Athletic facility design is incredibly specialized, and this depth of expertise significantly enhances our in‑house capabilities. Bringing it to McAdams creates an even more powerful way for us to support our clients.”
The acquisition expands McAdams’ service offering beyond its core civil‑engineering, land‑planning, surveying, landscape‑architecture and construction‑administration work. Clients in the sports and entertainment sector can now expect a single point of contact for both engineering infrastructure and specialized athletic‑facility design.
Impact on the local economy
By retaining Sports Design Group’s staff and leadership in McKinney, the deal preserves local jobs and maintains a hub of expertise in North Texas. The combined firm is positioned to pursue larger, more complex projects that require both robust engineering and nuanced sports‑facility design, potentially attracting new contracts from school districts, municipalities and professional franchises.
Industry observers note that the move reflects a broader trend of engineering firms diversifying into niche markets to meet the growing demand for high‑performance athletic venues. As schools and communities invest in upgraded fields and stadiums, the need for firms that can integrate structural integrity, drainage, lighting and spectator experience grows.
Looking ahead
McAdams plans to leverage the acquisition to pursue additional projects in Texas and across the country, emphasizing a commitment to quality, safety and community benefit. Both companies share a focus on client‑centered solutions, which aligns with the values of families and faith‑based communities that rely on safe, well‑designed athletic spaces for youth development and community gathering.
For more information about McAdams’ expanded sports capabilities, visit the firm’s website or contact their McKinney office.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
