The evolution of Gonzaga University’s athletic facilities has paralleled the success of Gonzaga athletics and its elite status within the NCAA community. Comprised of Kennedy Pavilion, Martin Centre and McCarthey Athletic Center, along with Patterson Baseball Complex, Stevens Golf/Tennis Center and Luger Soccer Field, Gonzaga’s athletics complex was lacking in a few fundamental components required to sustain the quality programs which now represent Gonzaga University.
These components fell under the following primary areas: academic space that caters to a variety of learning styles; expanded student-athlete nutrition/team table and banquet facilities; expanded practice facilities (practice court, strength and conditioning center, game film room, exterior sand resistance training pit); a hall of honor telling the Gonzaga athletics story; and athletic staff offices supporting new and expanded programs.
To address these components, the 51,240-square-foot Volkar Center for Athletic Achievement was organized around the concept of helping student-athletes succeed in competition, in the classroom and in the community. With this concept in mind, the space planning was organized with the practice court as the facility’s central focus, surrounded by the strength and conditioning center, athletic staff offices and the team table/banquet area. These spaces have a strong visual connection to the practice court, reinforcing the mantra that “Practice Leads to Championships!”
