UAH approves new fitness center, track + field facility
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The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved plans for some new facilities at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The Board advanced one project – the new UAH Track and Field Complex – and approved initial plans for the reconfiguration of the University Fitness Center.
Here’s what we know:
New Track + Field complex at UAH
The Board granted Stage III approval of the Track and Field Complex, approving the architectural design by Chapman Sisson Architects.
UAH can now move forward with advertising and bidding the project and plans to seek Board approval of the construction contract at a meeting in the near future.
The Board approved Stages I and II in September 2023. These stages encompassed the preliminary project scope and budget and allowed UAH to enter into an agreement with the architectural firm to design and administer the project.
The Track and Field Complex will transform a field and parking lot on the west side of John Wright Drive across from Charger Park into UAH’s first on-campus track.
“Our track and field program has had a great deal of success under Coach David Cain’s leadership, including the recent Gulf South Conference Indoor Championship for our men and strong national finishes and multiple All-Americans at the NCAA Championships. All of this has been accomplished without an on-campus track and field facility.”
Dr. Cade Smith, UAH Director of Athletics
Along with an NCAA-compliant, 400-meter, 8-lane running track with a high-performance surface designed for shock absorption, the project will include jumping, vaulting and throwing event venues. The complex will also feature these amenities:
- Entry plaza
- Parking area for visiting teams and officials
- Press box with a 500-seat main section of bleachers
- Home and visiting team locker rooms
- Concessions
- Field house with equipment storage
The project will be delivered in packages to provide flexibility in scheduling as funding becomes available. The budget for the project is $14,210,602.
University Fitness Center
Also approved at the April meeting were the first stages for the planned reconfiguration and renovation of the University Fitness Center (UFC), — approving the preliminary project scope and budget and enabling UAH to contract with Chapman Sisson Architects to design and administer the project.
The UFC, located at 500 John Wright Drive, was listed as top priority for improvement in the FY2025 UAH Annual Consolidated Capital Projects and Facilities Report. The 2024 UAH Campus Master Plan had already identified the need to update aging facilities and infrastructure to current campus standards.
The UFC, located at 500 John Wright Drive, was listed as top priority for improvement in the FY2025 UAH Annual Consolidated Capital Projects and Facilities Report.
The 2024 UAH Campus Master Plan had already identified the need to update aging facilities and infrastructure to current campus standards. The upgrades to the UFC are expected to be completed in late 2026, pending further Board approvals.
Dr. Ronnie Hebert, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said an increased number of students have been using the facility, as well as participating in intramural activities and sports clubs.
Interior renovation and reconfiguration — along with performing needed maintenance and cosmetic improvements — will allow for expanded program offerings.
The project has a budget of $1.2 million.
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