Beyond the Scoreboard
How Stadium Tours Are Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
By Mike Olson, PE and Zach Lambros, PE
With the Territorial Cup approaching—and a full slate of exciting college football matchups this weekend—it’s easy to get swept up in rivalries, rankings, and game-day energy. But at Dibble, we’re looking beyond the scoreboard.
Because stadiums aren’t just venues. They’re living classrooms.
From the structural engineering that holds tens of thousands of fans, to the complex utilities woven beneath the field, to the transportation systems that move crowds safely, stadiums showcase the power of engineering, design, and innovation at an extraordinary scale.
Turning Game Day Into STEM Discovery
That’s why Dibble collaborated with ACEC Arizona and more than 60 local engineering firms to develop the STEM Game Day Stadium Tours—a statewide initiative benefiting 60 schools across Arizona.
During these behind-the-scenes tours, students get a firsthand look at:
- How massive structures are designed and built
- The technology behind turf systems, lighting, and acoustics
- The role of civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers in every square foot
- Real-world problem-solving that keeps stadiums safe, sustainable, and high-performing
By exposing students to the engineering embedded in these iconic spaces, we’re helping ignite interest in STEM careers—and showing future problem solvers that the built environment can be just as exciting as game day itself.
Explore the Full Story
Want to learn how stadium tours can spark curiosity, build awareness, and strengthen Arizona’s STEM pipeline?
We dive into the program’s impact, the collaboration behind it, and how engineering firms can help shape tomorrow’s workforce.
📄 Download the full Case Study PDF here
