College Athletics Facilities Round-Up: November Part I

Welcome back to the College Athletics Construction Roundup, where we bring you the latest buzz on the transformation of intercollegiate athletics facilities. In this edition of our bi-weekly series, we’re thrilled to present some exciting updates from around the nation.

Stadiums

Syracuse University’s JMA Dome Faces Wireless Network Delays

The JMA Dome at Syracuse faced setbacks in its wireless network project, pushing it over a year behind schedule. Despite JMA’s equipment being installed, complications in its partnership with wireless carriers, particularly Verizon, have led to delays. The impact on AT&T and T-Mobile customers’ access remains uncertain, adding suspense to the unfolding story.

University of Colorado’s Folsom Field Gets a Grand Upgrade

Colorado is set to enhance the fan experience at Folsom Field with a massive $15M project. A new video board, five times larger than its predecessor, will grace the south end zone in time for the 2024 season. The expansion will also include a ribbon board that spreads over 1,000 feet, promising an immersive visual spectacle for fans.

Iowa State University’s ‘CyTown’ Project has its Budget Revised

Iowa State aims for a revised budget approval from the Iowa Board of Regents for Phase 2 of the CyTown project. The budget has grown from $28.5M to $37.7M, signaling an ambitious undertaking to elevate their athletics facilities.

Arenas

Missouri’s Mizzou Arena Shines With New Daktronics Scoreboard

University of Missouri athletics debuted its new Daktronics center-hung scoreboard to Mizzou Arena during its home opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 6. The impressive display, featuring four main screens and additional angled displays, provides an immersive experience for fans attending events.

Facilities

University of St. Thomas Unveils ‘Fuel Station’ for Athlete Recovery

In St. Paul, Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas unveiled a state-of-the-art nutrition station aimed at enhancing the recovery of college athletes. This innovative ‘Fuel Station’ underscores the athletics department’s commitment to providing its athletes with top-level nutrition.

Track and Field

Appalachian State University Receives Generous Gift for Indoor Practice Facility

Appalachian State celebrated a generous gift from alumnus Tommy Sofield and family to help fund a new 100+ yard artificial turf indoor practice facility. This contribution brings the university closer to its $100M goal for the All for App initiative.

University of Hawai’i Embarks on Construction for Soccer and Track & Field Facility

Hawai’i kicked off the second phase of the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex expansion with a $30M project. The facility will boast an NCAA-compliant 400-meter, eight-lane synthetic track and a soccer field.

Basketball

Western Carolina University Elevates Basketball Facility

Western Carolina has completed comprehensive enhancements for its men’s and women’s basketball teams. From new lockers with charging stations to expanded player’s lounge areas, the renovations redefine the college athlete experience. Major gifts from supporters led to the naming of various spaces in the Ramsey Center.

DePaul University’s Ambitious Plans for a Basketball Practice Facility

DePaul recently unveiled plans for a $60 million, four-story basketball practice facility, igniting discussions about its impact on the Lincoln Park campus. The facility, which will feature two full basketball courts and modern lounge spaces, signals a leap forward for DePaul’s two basketball programs.

Hockey

University of Wisconsin’s Kohl Center Set for Ice Sheet Renovation

The University of Wisconsin’s Kohl Center is gearing up for a $2.5 million renovation to reduce its ice sheet to NHL size. Originally constructed in 1998, the facility’s current ice sheet is 200-feet long by 97-feet wide, making it one of the largest surfaces in the country. The project will take place during one of the next two summers.

Wrestling

University of Northern Iowa Unveils Conceptual Renderings for New Wrestling Facility

Northern Iowa revealed exciting plans for its new wrestling facility, showcasing space for multiple mats, weight and cardio training, locker rooms, and more. The conceptual renderings set the stage for a modern wrestling facility that aligns with the evolving needs of the program.