Athletic and Recreation Complex Project

New 97,000-square-foot Air-Supported Structure with 300m synthetic track, two pole vault boxes, two jumping pits, and two throw circles with safety cages. The infield of the track will have a multi-functional artificial turf with a perimeter protective netting system and four baseball/softball/golf hitting cages. An auxiliary link and structure will provide the primary means for access to the air-supported structure, and its connection to the recreation center will house two newly constructed locker rooms for the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs.

A new 17,000-square-foot addition filling in unoccupied, open-air alley space between the Recreation Center and Rice Auditorium. This will lead into an expanded lobby space for pre-event waiting, social gathering, and studying space for students on the second level with a new student weight room on the lower level along with additional office and storage space. A new hydraulic elevator will be installed to provide ADA accessibility and access to Wildcat Alley and Rice Auditorium seating.

The current 58,000-square-foot Recreation Center was constructed in 1987, houses a 160-meter indoor track and multi-surface courts along with racquetball courts, cardio equipment, student weight room, and offices. The planned renovations will include a new synthetic flooring system, which will increase the number of courts from three to four; the 160m track will be converted into a two- or three-lane walking/jogging track adding cardio space, group exercise rooms with equipment, and a netting system. The racquetball courses will be converted into general student locker rooms with lockers, showers, and restrooms. The second level will be converted into additional offices and/or classroom space.

Rice Auditorium is a 58,000-square-foot facility constructed in 1958 that houses the gymnasium/auditorium, wood basketball/volleyball court, classrooms, offices, and various physical education support areas. Renovations to this area will include building new men’s and women’s restrooms, creating larger concessions area, and expanding ticketing areas to enhance the fan experience. 

The Kirk Gardner Indoor Athletic Complex is a 30,000-square-foot multi-use athletic and recreation space with artificial turf, a protective netting system, storage, and offices. We will replace the turf with a basketball/volleyball wood floor with wall-hung baskets and volley post inserts to serve as an auxiliary/practice gym for student-athletes, general student use, and collaborative community use.