The state-of-the-art SBC Center in San Antonio is an 18,500-seat, multipurpose arena designed to host basketball games, rodeos, ice events, concerts, and a variety of other attractions. Key design components of the building’s HVAC systems include fl exibility to address the building’s multifunctionality and the ability to handle the harsh Texas heat and humidity. However, an equally diffi cult challenge was the design of the smoke control system to meet the requirements of the San Antonio Fire Department. The design team overcame these challenges with a unique HVAC design that accomplishes the goals of comfort, life safety and adaptability.