Harry L. Vance Athletic Center – Davidson College

Davidson, NC
Construction Cost: $10.8 million
Area / Square Feet: 55,466
Occupancy Date: November 2015

As a 50,000-square-foot addition to the current Baker Sports Complex, the Harry L. Vance Athletic Center provides Davidson with a flexible entertainment and gathering space that also showcases its athletic prowess.

Designed to fit on a small area of land between Belk Arena and an existing parking lot, the addition seamlessly incorporates existing building materials with a contemporary entry that’s easily identifiable to gameday visitors. The curved, punched brick exterior is capped by a folded metal plane, and features a transparent jewel that serves as the building’s lobby. The design of the two-story lobby area offers glimpses into the surrounding programmed spaces. The lobby includes a hall of fame, a ticketing booth and multimedia displays to encourage visitors to learn about the athletics programs. An Athletic Club adjacent to the hall of fame offers flexible space for the college to use for team meetings, press conferences or social gatherings.

The Athletic Center features two new varsity practice gyms for basketball and volleyball, coaching offices, locker rooms, player lounge space and a film room. A unique transparent bridge provides views into both courts, allowing coaches to observe their team and to showcase the facility to recruits.