U.S. Soccer Opens Arthur M. Blank National Training Center
For the first time in the 113-year history of the U.S. Soccer Federation the nonprofit owns a blade of grass. And it isn’t just one. U.S. Soccer cut the ribbon May 7 on the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a 200-acre complex outside of Atlanta featuring the group’s headquarters, 17 outdoor playing surfaces and a 200,000-square-foot indoor space.
This is the first time U.S. Soccer has had all its functions—from staff headquarters to its entire training and educational center to the home for every one of its 27 national teams, including its extended teams for disabled players—at one site, a massive undertaking that sent the federation scouring the country for the perfect location and then the right design to make it happen.
“We are trying to bring the entire soccer ecosystem together,” Tom Norton, general manager of the center, tells me. “It is not just a training facility.”
Washington University Announces Field House Transformation
The Washington University in St. Louis Athletic Department is set to take the Field House to the next level with a comprehensive upgrade that will elevate the look, feel and functionality of the facility for years to come.
The project scope includes a complete replacement of the existing lighting and controls with a modern sports lighting system, creating a brighter, more dynamic environment for practices, competitions, and events. The sound system will also be fully replaced to deliver stronger, clearer audio throughout the facility.
In addition, the Field House will be repainted to reflect current WashU Athletics branding, giving the space a fresh new look that matches the energy and pride of the program. New acoustical panels will also be installed, featuring graphics that celebrate and showcase the tradition of excellence that defines WashU Athletics.
App State Opens New Tennis Facility
Appalachian State University officially dedicated the new App State Tennis Courts as the Jim & Elaine Jones Outdoor Tennis Complex on May 1, honoring the deep and lasting legacy of a couple who have spent decades serving the institution and the Boone community.
As Director of Athletics from 1974-80, Jim Jones was a transformative leader, expanding the athletic department from six to 22 sports and trailblazing the university's first scholarships for female student-athletes.
Beyond his administrative success, Jones was a legendary figure on the court. Over a 20-year coaching career, he amassed a 267-86 record, secured eight conference championships and earned inductions into both the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame and the App State Sports Hall of Fame. He balanced these roles with a distinguished academic career as a Professor Emeritus and Chair of the Accounting Department, where he was recognized as the North Carolina Outstanding Accounting Educator.
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