The core element of this athletic center — which represents a new face for athletics at the school — is an arena-style gymnasium that is very open to surrounding corridors and serves as the design’s organizing element. Harkening back to traditional field houses, the barrel vault shape picks up on rooflines at the high school and provides an easily identifiable entrance. Inside, neutral colors complement the highly visible blue school color, a large wall graphic highlights the school’s athletic history and a glass display system showcases athletic accomplishments.
The open, inviting design offers collegiate amenities to the fans while creating a home-court advantage for the players. The on-grade wood floor offers two 94-foot cross-courts when the primary seating is retracted. The elimination of interior gymnasium walls allows the large translucent wall panels on the north and south sides to fill the gym with natural light, while the barrel-vaulted roof overhangs the east and west faces to create diffused daylight and eliminate glare.
The fitness room and storage spaces are tucked under the fixed seating, maximizing floorplan efficiency. The fitness room boasts an open, two-story feel that creates public views, giving boosters an easy opportunity to see their investment. The volumes of the fitness room and the elevated wrestling room support athletic training of all kinds, while an open 1⁄10-mile track circles the gym.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
