HUNTSVILLE – Sports and recreation will soon be growing by leaps and bounds – maybe even kicks – at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved plans for three major facilities projects at UAH during the its meeting last week on the UAH campus.
Among the projects discussed, two involved sports and recreation on campus. The Board further advanced one project – a track and field complex – and approved initial plans for the reconfiguration of the University Fitness Center. UAH is a part of the UA System.
Track and field complex
The UA System Board of Trustees 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 approval of the construction contract.
The board approved Stages I and II in September 2023. They encompassed the preliminary project scope and budget and allowed UAH to enter into an agreement with the architects to design and administer the project.
The board approved plans last November 2024 to 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,” UAH Director of Athletics Dr. Cade Smith said, “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.
“This new facility will not only create better opportunities for our current student-athletes, but will also strongly benefit our recruiting efforts as we continue to build a championship-level program.”
The project will also provide UAH the opportunity to host on-campus sporting events, including Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II championship meets.
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:
- 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
The UA System Board of Trustees also approved reconfiguration and renovation of the University Fitness Center. UAH will contract with Chapman Sisson Architects to design and administer the project with a budget of $1.2 million.
“We are very excited about this project,” said Dr. Ronnie Hebert, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “The University Fitness Center has served thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members each year since opening in 2001.”
Over the last several years, Hebert 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 facility serves as UAH’s primary recreation facility and empowers the UAH community toward a life of overall wellness.
“Making these improvements to the facility will further enhance the campus recreation experience for our students and community patrons,” Hebert said.
The UFC was listed as top priority for improvement in the FY2025 UAH Annual Consolidated Capital Projects and Facilities Report. The 2024 UAH Campus Master Plan 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.
All capital projects are subject to approval by the board.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
