UAH building track and field complex, upgrading fitness center

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is moving forward to upgrades of its athletic facilities and fitness center.

The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees granted Stage III approval of the track and field complex, approving the architectural design by Chapman Sisson Architects. UAH is able to move forward with advertising and bidding out the project and plans to seek Board approval of the construction contract at a future Board meeting.

The board also approved Stage I and Stage II for the planned reconfiguration and renovation of the University Fitness Center, approving the preliminary project scope and budget and enabling UAH to contract with Chapman Sisson Architects to design and administer the project.

UAH has a $14.2 million budget for the track and field complex, and a $1.2 million budget for the fitness center upgrade.

Track and field complex

The track and field complex project will convert a field and parking lot on the west side of John Wright Drive across from Charger Park into UAH’s first on-campus track.

“Our track and field program has had a great deal of success under Coach David Cain’s leadership,” Athletic Director Cade Smith said, “including the recent Gulf South Conference Indoor Championship for our men and strong national finishes and multiple All-Americans at the NCAA Championships. All of this has been accomplished without an on-campus track and field facility.”

Smith said in a news release that the new facility will not only create better opportunities for current student-athletes, “but will also strongly benefit our recruiting efforts as we continue to build a championship-level program.”

The project will also provide UAH the opportunity to host on-campus sporting events, including Gulf South Conference and Division II championship meets.

Along with an NCAA-compliant, 400-meter, 8-lane running track with a high-performance surface designed for shock absorption, the project will include jumping, vaulting and throwing event venues. The complex will also feature the following amenities:

• Entry plaza
• Parking area for visiting teams and officials
• Press box with a 500-seat main section of bleachers
• Home and visiting team locker rooms
• Concessions
• Field house with equipment storage

The project will be delivered in phases to provide flexibility in scheduling as funding becomes available.

Fitness center

Ronnie Hebert, vice president for student affairs and dean of students said an increased number of students have been using the facility, and have been participating in intramural activities and sports clubs.

He said interior renovation and reconfiguration along with performing needed maintenance and cosmetic improvements will allow for expanded program offerings. The facility serves as UAH’s primary recreation facility.

“Making these improvements to the facility will further enhance the campus recreation experience for our students and community patrons,” Hebert said.

The fitness center at 500 John Wright Drive was listed as top priority for improvement in the FY2025 UAH Annual Consolidated Capital Projects and Facilities Report. The 2024 UAH Campus Master Plan had already identified the need to update aging facilities and infrastructure to current campus standards.

The upgrades are expected to be completed in late 2026, pending further Board approvals.