Business Details
Expert Sports & Equestrian Facility Construction Services
Ballard Sports is a sixth-generation family-owned business established in the 1800s, specializing in the construction of premier sports facilities and equestrian riding arenas. As licensed general contractors, we deliver full-service solutions for athletic fields, turf management, track and field projects, and custom equestrian arenas. Our team combines decades of expertise with a commitment to quality, serving clients ranging from professional sports teams and universities to private farms and public facilities. We prioritize client satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail, use of high-quality materials, and innovative construction techniques tailored to each project's unique requirements.With offices in Syracuse, NY, and Raleigh, NC, Ballard Sports operates across the Northeastern and Southeastern United States, offering services from site planning to maintenance. Our certifications and partnerships with industry-leading suppliers ensure compliance with the highest standards in sports and equestrian facility construction.
Services
Turf Fields
Equestrian Arenas
Track and Field
Field Renovations
Arena Footing Installation
Highlights and features
- We offer six generations of family-owned construction expertise since the 1800s.
- Our team includes a Certified Field Builder and licensed contractors.
- We use region-specific certified turfgrass growers and premium synthetic materials.
- Our projects span professional sports teams, universities, and private equestrian facilities.
- We provide end-to-end solutions from site planning to maintenance.
Associations and certifications
- American Sports Builders Association
- Sports Field Management Association
What people say
Perfect footing
Professional team
Timely completion
Cost-effective solutions
Exceptional quality
Services
Turf Fields
Custom-built synthetic or natural turf fields for football, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball. We partner with certified turfgrass growers to select region-specific materials and install high-quality synthetic options that meet performance and budget requirements while ensuring long-term durability.
Equestrian Arenas
Full-service construction of indoor and outdoor equestrian riding arenas. Our process includes footing material selection, drainage system installation, fencing, lighting, and obstacle setup. We specialize in creating safe, durable surfaces that prioritize horse and rider safety while accommodating both competitive and recreational use.
Track and Field
Design and construction of professional-grade tracks with customized finishes. Services include sandpit installation, obstacle setup, and track painting. We ensure compliance with athletic standards while incorporating durable materials and drainage solutions to maintain optimal performance under various weather conditions.
Field Renovations
Comprehensive renovation services for existing sports fields and arenas. Our team handles partial reconstructions, base repairs, surface material replacement, and facility extensions. We focus on enhancing functionality and longevity while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations through efficient project management.
Arena Footing Installation
Specialized footing solutions for equestrian arenas using preblended EGT fiber and silica sand products. We ensure optimal shock absorption and traction by tailoring materials to specific riding disciplines. Our installation process eliminates onsite blending complexities while guaranteeing consistent, competition-ready surfaces.
People
William J. Ballard
President
Third-generation leader of Ballard Sports with over 30 years in athletic field construction. Graduated from Syracuse University with a civil engineering degree, he oversees project execution and strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex builds.
Elizabeth Ballard
National Sales Equestrian Footing Services
Equestrian industry expert with 20+ years of experience in arena footing solutions. A competitive rider herself, she specializes in matching footing materials to client needs while managing nationwide sales operations and client consultations.
Doug Mynter
Project Manager
Certified field builder overseeing athletic field and equestrian construction projects in the Southeast. With a decade of experience, he coordinates installations from initial design to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines and technical specifications.
Rich Ranieri
Vice President
Licensed contractor managing day-to-day operations and client relations. With 25 years in sports facility development, he focuses on maintaining quality standards across all projects while mentoring junior staff members.
Mike Albino
Turf Manager
Certified turf specialist responsible for grass field maintenance and synthetic turf management. He develops customized fertilization, irrigation, and pest control programs to optimize field performance and longevity for clients across multiple states.
Questions
What types of sports facilities does Ballard Sports construct?
We build synthetic/natural turf fields for football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse, along with track and field facilities and custom equestrian riding arenas.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both ground-up construction and renovations of existing fields and arenas, including partial upgrades and surface material replacements.
How do you ensure quality in equestrian arena footing?
We use preblended EGT fiber and silica sand products tested for performance, installed by certified professionals to guarantee consistent, safe riding surfaces tailored to specific disciplines.
Are your services available nationwide?
We operate across the Northeastern and Southeastern U.S., with project experience ranging from university stadiums to private equestrian farms.
What certifications does Ballard Sports hold?
We maintain Commercial Pesticide Applicator licenses and are members of the American Sports Builders Association and Sports Field Management Association.
How do you handle project timelines during weather delays?
We provide constant communication during delays and prioritize efficient rescheduling to minimize disruptions while maintaining work quality.
