RENO, Nev. – On Friday, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents gave final approval for construction of an indoor fieldhouse and resurfacing of two turf fields at the University of Nevada.

Groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art fieldhouse, set to be located adjacent to the southeast entrance of Mackay Stadium, is set to take place later this summer with completion of the facility targeted for summer 2026.

The 72,000-square foot facility will benefit the University student body by serving in a multi-purpose capacity. The fieldhouse’s 110 yards of indoor turf and recreation space will accommodate Nevada club and intramural sports while enhancing wellness and activity for the campus community. The facility also provides a critical practice area for the Wolf Pack Marching Band and Nevada spirit teams with additional opportunities for ROTC exercises, ASUN and community events, youth sports’ activities, and pregame events.

“With the approval by the Board of Regents, the entire University stands to benefit from the new fieldhouse. In addition to the major leap forward that Wolf Pack Athletics will experience, the University’s emphasis on student success also benefits greatly,” said University President Brian Sandoval ’86. “From the very beginning, we have envisioned the fieldhouse as enhancing the student experience for all students through its multi-use nature. The student events, activities, intramurals and more that will be regularly held in the fieldhouse will further the University’s goal of health, wellness and connection for our entire campus community. I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Regents for approving this important project.”

The fieldhouse has long been essential for Wolf Pack student athletes to train, compete, and succeed year-round. It will positively impact all 17 Nevada sports by providing training space for football and women’s soccer, batting cages for softball, and conditioning space for all Wolf Pack programs.

“Today’s decision by the Board of Regents will have a momentous positive effect on the University of Nevada. We are grateful for the support and action of the Regents, President Sandoval, and ASUN in making this possible,” said Nevada Director of Athletics Stephanie Rempe. “This long-awaited indoor facility is essential for the long-term success and championship potential of our programs and student athletes. It will elevate our department, our University, and our community, and I am excited for Nevada’s College Town to come together with pride and purpose to help us make this transformational project a reality.”

Nevada Athletics is committed to securing $5-7M in philanthropic support for the Fieldhouse & Turf Fields Project to expand and improve student access to recreational opportunities that support physical and mental well-being, elevate program competitiveness, and address vital health and safety needs. The goal will be achieved through a comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on major gifts, naming opportunities and donor engagement strategies.

 

If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact the WPAA at wolfpack@unr.edu.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Jeff Choate — Head Football Coach

“Having an indoor facility at the University of Nevada is long overdue. It is a total gamechanger for all of our athletic programs and also for our student body. The ability for our student body to recreate and have intramural sports and for our program to have the ability to prepare when the weather is inclement is something that’s needed. It is especially critical given that we’re the only Division I program in a cold-weather climate that doesn’t yet have such a facility.”

Vanessa Valentine — Head Women’s Soccer Coach

“The new indoor facility is an absolute gamechanger for our student athletes, our program, future recruits, and for the University. It shows growth and investment. We are grateful to have the support of President Sandoval and the Nevada student body, as this facility is going to help bridge the gap to the student athlete experience. We will now have the advantage of having this safe space to train year-round in a climate-controlled environment. We’re excited for this facility furthering the future of our athletic department and women’s soccer, allowing us to continue to grow and compete at a higher level.”

Victoria Hayward — Head Softball Coach

“This fieldhouse will put Nevada Softball on a completely new level. As we continue to aim even higher after winning our first Mountain West championship, this fieldhouse will be pivotal towards our offseason training and elevate our level of preparation for spring. I am excited for the opportunities this facility will provide our current and future student athletes in our continued pursuit of championships.”

 

Heather Speed, EdD, University of Nevada Vice President of Student Affairs

“A modern fieldhouse is far more than just a venue for athletics.  For our students, it will be a gathering space and a symbol of pride.  It will be a space where students will come together, celebrate their university, and experience a true sense of belonging.  That sense of community and belonging matters – it fosters relationships, strengthens identity, and improves the overall college experience.”

 

Carmina Aglubat, ASUN President

“The Fieldhouse boasts exciting opportunities for the University of Nevada. Infrastructure is always an incredible thing for universities. However, it is even better when the infrastructure is built to enhance the exciting parts of the student experience and when members of the student body can actively engage with the space. Officers of the Associated Students are excited to use the space for engaging programming; intermural and club sports members are energized to use it for practice and games; and all students have the chance to walk onto the field for both structured and unstructured activity. I always like to say, ‘now is not the time to play it small- play big.’ This initiative is the definition of playing it big. It is more than just a building; it represents a legacy full of endless opportunities for generations to come.”

As partner and corporate practice leader at Nixon Peabody, Todd Tidgewell leads a robust team of attorneys who help clients navigate complex transactions and the business challenges of today. 

In this Q&A, Todd shares how his team’s collaborative, cross-functional approach supports clients through the concerns they’re facing in an unpredictable market. He also reflects on lessons learned throughout his career, and how coaching youth sports has influenced his leadership style. 

What differentiates Nixon Peabody’s Corporate practice?

Our corporate practice brings together over 100 attorneys across all Nixon Peabody offices. What sets us apart is our fully integrated approach to corporate law. We combine deal lawyers—who focus on complex transactions—with all the practices that support those deals. This includes M&A and private equity attorneys, tax and benefits attorneys, and our immigration team. By aligning these capabilities from the start, we deliver a comprehensive set of services and ensure that we operate as a cohesive team, all pulling in the same direction.

What questions are you hearing most often from clients?

Clients are always concerned about market uncertainty, and right now, there’s quite a bit of it. This uncertainty can affect their day-to-day operations, long-term strategic goals, and even their personal lives. Our role as corporate attorneys is to help them strategize, identify risks, and understand how uncertainty impacts their business. We work closely with them to navigate these challenges, helping them feel supported and confident in their decisions.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You never really know what to expect in this career. It’s crucial to be confident, but also confident enough to ask questions, seek out education, and rely on your colleagues. And do it all while keeping a sense of humor. It’s important to stay humble, approachable, and personable. While we take our work seriously, maintaining perspective and balance is key.

Where can we usually find you when you’re not working?

I’ve been fortunate to coach my kids in a wide range of sports—from age five up to their late teens. I coach baseball and basketball, both at the competitive travel team level and in recreational leagues. So, most weekends and a few nights a week, you’ll find me on a basketball court or baseball field running around with the kids.

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(Shenandoah) — Three Shenandoah middle schoolers have been excelling in the Junior Rodeo circuit, and have taken their talents far enough to qualify for the National Junior Rodeo June 22nd-28th.

Jerney Millikan is the daughter of Carey and Todd Millikan and a 7th grader at Shenandoah Community School District.  She competes in rodeo, volleyball, basketball, and track. 

While competing at the state finals rodeo in Bloomfield, Iowa she qualified for Nationals in the barrels and poles competitions. 

She won 2nd in the average in barrels and also placed 2nd in the average in breakaway roping. 

“This is my first time, I just kind of try to set myself a goal, like try to get some points in the all around and stuff like that,” said Millikan.

Millikan’s partners in her events are beloved horses Queso, a palomino mare, and Seven, a bay mare. She gives alot of credit to them for helping her reach her goals.  

“I ride a really good horse named Seven.  She took me a long way,” Millikan said.  “We just started last year working together, and we just worked a lot and a lot in the practice pin, we really have gained a lot together.”

Bristal Johnson, daughter of Steve and Trisha Johnson, and an 8th grader at Iowa Connections Academy, also qualified for National Junior High School Rodeo along with Millikan. 

Johnson qualified for Nationals as the champion light rifle shooter and qualified in pole bending at tying for 4th place with Jerney Millikan, where you have to be in the top four places to qualify in an event.

“I won shooting this year and then my horse Bing is pretty easy to ride if I ride her correctly.” Johnson said. “The competition was pretty hard.  Jerney gave me a run for my money.”

Coy Wilson, son of Scott Wilson and Kerry Pryor, is 14 and an 8th grader with the Ignite school in Shenandoah. 

Wilson is a two-time Iowa Junior High School Qualifier for Nationals Finals Rodeo, Iowa Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, Iowa Champion Bareback Rider, Qualifier in Bull Riding.  

“I’ve made a lot of accomplishments in the last three years.  I ride saddle bronc, bulls, and bareback, and I won the world in 2023, and I made nationals in 2022.  The world finals were in Las Vegas, and nationals last year was in Des Moines,” said Wilson.

Wilson is also now a 3x JRNFR qualifier Saddle Bronc, 2023 JRNFR world champion Saddle Bronc.

For more information, visit https://nhsra.com/juniorhighfinals/

For full interview with the three qualifiers, click and listen below.