HPM Announces Topping Out of Bank Independent Stadium
Birmingham-based program management firm HPM announced today the topping out of Bank Independent Stadium at the University of North Alabama (UNA), signifying the placement of the final structural beam. HPM is serving as the program manager for the $65 million multipurpose facility on UNA’s campus in Florence, Alabama. The project, which will be the University’s first dedicated stadium, broke ground in June 2024 for an anticipated opening in Fall 2026.
Bank Independent Stadium will feature Bobby Wallace Field, a three-level press tower with concessions, restrooms, suites, a club level and a “home tunnel” connecting the home locker room to the adjacent Flowers Hall. The venue will redevelop the athletic complex that previously included the UNA turf practice field, Mike D. Lane Field and band practice field, incorporating UNA’s football, baseball and soccer teams and marching band into the reimagined design. In addition to athletic practices and sporting events, Bank Independent Stadium is designed to enrich the city with concerts, live performances and other community events.
Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center to Undergo Major Renovation
The Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center will undergo a major renovation of the natatorium beginning August 11, 2025, with an anticipated reopening date in December 2025. During this time, the entire natatorium will be closed (this includes all pool, spa areas, and programming
Scheduled Improvements Include:
• Full resurfacing (whitecoat) and new racing tiles in the main pool
• Installation of a brand-new bulkhead (the walk-way in the middle of the main pool)
• Upgraded filtration systems for both the main and leisure pools
• Replacement of gutter grating
• Resurfacing of the leisure pool
• Regrouting of the pool deck areas
• Removal of the high dive structure
UNF Starts Construction on New Esports Arena
The University of North Florida has started construction and is set to launch its esports program this coming spring, aiming to engage current students and create new opportunities in a fast-growing industry.
The initiative includes a new state-of-the-art esports arena, opportunities for collegiate competition, mentorship and career development for Jacksonville-area high school students, and academic offerings focused on the rapidly expanding esports industry, according to the UNF esports website.
Brian Verkamp, UNF’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer, provided insight into the university’s ongoing esports arena project.
Construction for the new esports facility, named the Flight Deck, has already begun on the second floor of the Student Union, near the bookstore. Verkamp said that if the timeline remains uninterrupted, the arena is expected to open this spring.
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