NSHE Board of Regents approves University fieldhouse and turf fields project

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.”