UI Department of Athletics builds momentum on facility upgrade projects

The University of Iowa Department of Athletics continues to advance a set of projects that will provide Hawkeye student-athletes and their fans with services and facilities that rank among the best in the country. 

Women’s gymnastics, field hockey, men’s and women’s wrestling, baseball, and men’s and women’s basketball facility projects will be funded through donor support and department revenue. All of the projects, which are part of the university’s 10-year facilities master plan, have been or must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. 

“We are grateful for the support our contributors continue to provide Hawkeye student-athletes. Their passion for Iowa athletics has allowed us to continue construction on a world-class wrestling training center and move closer to new facility and facility upgrades for a number of our nationally recognized programs,” says Gary Barta, who holds the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. 

“In the athletics department, we often say that vision without resources is irrelevant. In the case of these facility upgrades, we have a strong vision and we are gaining momentum, as several contributors have made significant commitments that help us get closer to making them a reality.”

WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS
Construction on a new training center for the gymnastics team and the Iowa Spirit Squad and Dance Team is expected to begin in fall 2023, pending Board of Regents approval. The proposed facility will be built south of the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex and include training spaces, locker rooms, team room, multipurpose room, and other amenities.

FIELD HOCKEY
A feasibility study for a new field hockey building adjacent to Grant Field calls for a facility that includes team locker rooms, team space, and press box. Discussions are ongoing to determine its size and possible locations.

BASEBALL
The game-day experience at Duane Banks Field will improve significantly with a proposed renovation to the press box, bleachers, concourse, dugouts and stadium entrance. The upgrades are intended to increase stadium seating capacity, provide improved ADA access and seating, and enhance the fan experience with premium seating opportunities, additional concessions, and restrooms.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WRESTLING 
Construction of the Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center continues adjacent to Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The project began in June 2022 and is expected to be completed in spring 2024. The more than 38,500-square-foot facility for the men’s and women’s wrestling teams includes a state-of-the-art wrestling room, a strength training area, team locker rooms, and athletic training facilities. The facility also will include staff offices, a student-athlete lounge, recruiting meeting rooms, and a street-level hall of champions. The new wrestling room at the training center will be named in honor of Bob Nicolls (80BBA) and Kathy Nicolls.

CARVER-HAWKEYE ARENA
The department is in the beginning stages of an arena enhancement project that will modernize the nearly 40-year-old facility. The project at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, home to many historic Hawkeye moments, will include enhancements to concessions, restrooms, general and premium seating opportunities, and the overall fan experience. The arena is home to men’s and women’s basketball and is where the wrestling and women’s gymnastics teams compete.