In Class
At the heart of Kent State Athletics are the more than 400 student-athletes who, for all their amazing achievements competitively, are as equally dedicated to excelling in the classroom. With that in mind, we’re committed to raising $25 million to support their efforts in the classroom and beyond. Each dollar raised in this area will go toward scholarships and endowments.
In Competition
The Building Champions initiative will provide much-needed facility enhancements that directly impact every one of Kent State’s 18 varsity sports. Approximately $35 million has been earmarked for both the addition of new facilities and the upgrading of existing infrastructure. First-class facilities are a critical piece of the Kent State experience for student-athletes and fans alike.
In Life
Through the $60 million Building Champions initiative, we’re committed to changing the face of Kent State Athletics. This ambitious plan touches every aspect of our mission – from scholarships to facilities to fan experience. Join us as we embark on a journey that will impact not only our current student-athletes, but also many future generations of Golden Flashes.
Arena Upgrades & Fan Experience
The volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams have long-represented Kent State with class and pride. Now they’ll play and practice in a facility that meets their high standards — one that will aid in training and recruiting, while upgrading the overall fan experience. Improvements to the MAC Center are highlighted by the addition of a dedicated practice facility to be used by volleyball and basketball. Additional upgrades to seating and entertainment areas, restrooms, concessions, lobby and concourse areas and a rebranded Varsity “K” Hall of Fame area will enhance the overall experience for all fans.
Dix Stadium Football Upgrades
On the heels of the team’s first bowl appearance in 40 years, Dix Stadium will receive an update. For the student-athletes and coaches, the plan calls for a new players lounge, upgraded locker room facilities and additional meeting and film rooms. A new building will include coaches’ offices, a conference room and a multi-purpose/team dining room serving all sports. Further enhancements for patrons include updated suites and hospitality facilities and numerous seating improvements.
Field House Locker Rooms
We held a groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting and important project May 3, 2013. The facility will provide much-needed dedicated locker rooms and team areas for the field hockey, women’s soccer, softball, men’s track & field and women’s track & field programs. Additionally, the plan includes coaches’ locker rooms, athletic training facilities and a new entryway into the Field House. It will also add improved amenities such as restrooms and concessions for patrons.
Gymnastics Facilities
This project will create a dedicated first-class practice facility for our nationally ranked gymnastics squad. An essential component to the Golden Flashes’ recruiting efforts and competitive focus, the new space will provide approximately 3,000 additional square feet of practice space, including soft pit landing areas that greatly enhance the training experience for our student-athletes. The plan also provides for the purchase of dedicated practice equipment and training apparatuses.
Schoonover Complex
Upgrades planned for the home of the 2012 Men’s College World Series participants will completely transform the Schoonover Complex. Most noticeably, the softball field will be relocated from the Dix Stadium Complex to the area outside of the Schoonover Stadium left field — alongside a brand new indoor training facility and softball clubhouse. Additional enhancements impacting baseball will include a new entrance plaza, a press box and club level, 1,000 additional grandstand seats and two outdoor patios.
Track and Soccer Complex
The Golden Flashes soccer and track & field teams will soon have a home to brag about upon the completion of their new facilities. Planned for the south side of the Field House, the relocated soccer field will be nestled inside a brand new outdoor track facility, with seating to accommodate more than 1,000 patrons. The project will also include bleachers for the indoor track and state-of-the-art athletic training and strength & conditioning areas.
Wrestling Facilities
As Dustin Kilgore so emphatically demonstrated with his 2011 NCAA title, Kent State wrestling has earned a place among the nation’s elite programs. The new practice facility will aid in keeping the Golden Flashes entrenched in that lofty company. Slated for more than 7,000 square feet, the facility will allow for separate cardio and warm-up areas, in addition to providing enough mat space for the entire team to train together for the first time. Visitors and potential recruits will also be able to take in a new visual depiction of the team’s success over the years.
Scholarships and Endowments
A key component of the Building Champions blueprint is a two-pronged initiative to ensure Kent State’s rich tradition of athletic success and academic excellence continues indefinitely through both annual and endowment giving.
The Building Champions initiative will completely change the face of Kent State Athletics. In addition to the obvious facility enhancements that will impact nearly every one of our 18 sports, the comprehensive scholarship and endowment support will be transformative in the way our coaches recruit and compete.
Joel Nielsen, Kent State Director of Athletics
Seeing is Believing.
To view renderings of the various phases of the Building Champions initiative, scroll through the images to the right. Click on any image to see an enlarged view of what we have in store. As you can see, a lot of thought and planning went into each project, but we need your assistance to turn these drawings into reality.
