Despite the coronavirus pandemic, construction on athletic facilities continues across the country. While some work has stalled (more on that below) the following projects are continuing apace.
Iowa State University’s planned sports performance center is in the midst of construction. The $90 million, 110,000-square-foot project will connect the Bergstron Football Complex. The four-story facility will include an academic services center, dining facilities and a sports nutrition center that will be used by all of the school’s student-athletes. Construction began last May, and AD Jamie Pollard said that progress is too far along to change plans. — Des Moines Register
Penn State University’s planned $69 million renovation to the Lasch Football Building is reportedly still on track. While construction on campus is halted for now, the work on that project is in the design phase, led by HOK of Philadelphia. AD Sandy Barbour said that plans could be ready to go by summer or early fall, but what happens after that is still to be determined. — 247sports.com
Tulane University replaced the turf at Yulman Stadium.
Out with the old, in with the new.
— Tulane Green Wave (@TulaneAthletics) March 30, 2020
Thanks to the help of your fellow Greenies, we'll have a fresh look for our turf when we see you all back at Yulman!#RollWave pic.twitter.com/wXpCVUP6on
A number of facility projects have been put on pause, either due to government orders for workers to remain at home, or from general uncertainty.
Among those projects are Iowa State’s planned $22 million Hilton Coliseum expansion, the University of Northern Iowa’s $2.1 million football team meeting room, and a $6.5 million air handling improvement project at the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center — all of which were pulled from the Iowa Board of Regents’ approval agenda. — The Gazette
The planned renovation at the University of Louisiana’s Cajun Field has been put on pause due to the coronavirus outbreak’s revenue impact. Fundraising efforts for the project have slowed while potential donors react to the virus’ economic fallout. The renovation was expected to cost between $45 and $65 million. —The Daily Advertiser
Construction on the Austin FC stadium was temporarily halted due to a citywide shelter-in-place order. The $260 million stadium, with its planned 200,000-square-foot canopy and 20,500 seating capacity, was expected to host its first MLS match in April 2021. However, an order issued by the governor deemed construction projects as essential, overruling the Austin order, allowing work to continue with social distancing guidelines in place. — Austin American-Statesman
"All construction is considered essential," city announces after TX governor's executive order.
— Daniel Salazar (@imdanielsalazar) April 2, 2020
Projects ranging from small residential developments to the #AustinFC stadium can continue working under social distancing guidelines, won't need special approval from city committee. https://t.co/ipOBGN63rI
