Over the last 45 years, the Tippin Gymnasium has hosted many collegiate and high school sporting events, as well as other events such as rock concerts. The deterioration of the building and the need for more space however led to the decision to renovate and expand the building.

Requiring 17 months to complete the renovation and expansion, the new 156,000 sq. ft. Tippin Gymnasium includes a new entrance and lobby, and involved a complete overhaul of the basketball courts and seating, renovation of the natatorium, and the addition of a new combination swimming and diving pool. Also included are expanded areas for wrestling, a new weight room, new locker rooms, new restrooms, and a new auxiliary gymnasium. Additionally, the HVAC system was replaced as well as the lighting throughout the facility with new LED fixtures.

Along with the new and renovated venues for basketball, swimming and diving, wrestling, and weightlifting in the Tippin Gymnasium, there are areas designed for dance and yoga, plus state-of-the-art classrooms and an athletic training center. The renovations also serve to enhance the presence of the building and the health and wellness programs on campus. The result is a state-of-the-art facility which is a hub for on-campus fitness and recreation and a recruitment tool to attract future students and student athletes to the university.

The facility was designed to achieve the LEED Silver level of sustainability under the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations.

Photos courtesy of Demarsh Photography