My name is Gigi M. Knudtson, and for more than a decade I have worked at the intersection of performance infrastructure, athlete development programs, and facility design strategy. In my experience, the phrase “high-end training center” is often used loosely. In reality, it refers to a very specific class of facilities defined not by luxury, but by measurable performance outcomes, integrated technology, and rigorous operational standards.
This article explains what truly distinguishes high-end practice facilities, who uses them, how they are structured in the United States, what they cost to operate, and how to evaluate their quality with an informed, evidence-based lens.
A high-end practice facility is not simply larger or newer. It is engineered as a performance system. I have often seen cases where expensive buildings failed to deliver results because they lacked integration between training, recovery, analytics, and coaching workflows.
Although professional athletes are the most visible users, they are not the only group. Across the U.S., I have worked with or audited facilities serving:
High-end facilities are typically organized into performance zones. The specific layout varies, but the functional logic is consistent.
The distinction is not subtle once you understand the operational depth.
Cost is one of the most misunderstood aspects. High-end facilities are capital-intensive long before the first athlete walks through the door.
Regulation varies by state, particularly around medical services, athletic training licensure, youth athlete protection, and data privacy. Below is a simplified comparison of recurring regulatory areas that facility operators must address.
When I audit or advise on training centers, I follow a consistent evaluation framework.
If you remember only one thing: technology amplifies good systems and exposes weak ones. It never replaces sound training principles.By Gigi M. Knudtson, Founder
Based on current development patterns, several trends are shaping the next generation of facilities:
It is a specialized training environment integrating advanced equipment, sports science, medical services, data analytics, and expert coaching to support elite performance development.
No. They are also used by universities, Olympic programs, elite youth academies, performing artists, and tactical professionals.
Construction commonly ranges from under USD 10 million for small centers to more than USD 300 million for large integrated campuses, excluding long-term operating costs.
Performance tracking systems, biomechanics analysis tools, and athlete management software are typically more impactful than isolated hardware purchases.
Yes. Licensing requirements, medical practice rules, youth protection laws, and biometric data privacy obligations vary significantly across states.