New Athletics and Recreation Facilities from Colleges, Universities and Professional Sports Teams

First Pitch

The NHL’s Nashville Predators released plans for a complete remodel of Bridgestone Arena that will cost close to $1 billion over the next 15 years. The project will expand the arena by roughly 175,000 square feet, adding new businesses in the process. The outdoor plaza is expected to be renovated, as well, featuring a large LED canopy. Work will begin in the summer of 2026, but most of the construction is expected to take place during the summers of 2027, ’28 and ’29.

Architecture firm Populous has unveiled renderings for the WNBA’s New York Liberty practice facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The $80 million, player-led project will span 75,000 square feet and offer views of the Manhattan skyline. The facility will act as a basketball training center, but it will also support community engagement and expand the team’s presence throughout New York City.

Michigan State University has proposed building a $150 million Olympic Sports Arena, partnering with a developer to construct an adjacent hotel, housing, restaurants and office space. The 6,000-seat arena would host MSU women’s volleyball, gymnastics and men’s wrestling. The project would be completed in three phases with the arena operational by 2027.

Breaking Ground

Ball State University broke ground in April on the Eric Foss Championship Performance Center. Designed by MSA Sport, the 11,000-square-foot facility will feature cutting-edge training, strength and conditioning, and performance zones along with office space, recovery areas and a nutrition bar. The center is expected to open next year.

Rogers State University broke ground on a 10,000-square-foot indoor practice facility that will serve baseball, softball, golf and other sports. RSU will name the facility the Case Athletic Performance Center in recognition of a major gift provided by Mike and Pat Case of Case & Associates in Tulsa. Construction is expected to be complete by the start of the fall semester.

Grand Openings

Photo courtesy of University of San DiegoThe University of San Diego cut the ribbon on the school’s new Basketball Performance Center. Located in the heart of campus, the $35 million, 28,000-square-foot facility will be the new home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The facility includes a full-length basketball court, another shooting court, a strength and conditioning room, and a sports medicine and hydrotherapy room, as well as locker rooms, lounges and film rooms for both teams.

West Virginia University officially opened the new Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center. The 8,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is outfitted with cutting-edge performance technology, including Trackman, force plates, motion capture systems and advanced data analysis tools that will enhance player evaluation and training capabilities. The facility will also serve as an innovation hub for students and faculty in the WVU School of Sport Sciences.