The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Brenda Lawson Student-Athlete Success Center, to be built with private funds and used by all 17 Mocs intercollegiate athletics programs.
“This is an exciting day in the history of our athletics programs,” said Chancellor Roger Brown. “Our student athletes are excellent ambassadors for the University, welcoming the community and perspective students to share in the excitement of their achievements on the court and playing fields. They are most deserving of a dedicated space to hone their skills and build strength for success.”
The Center features the Chattem Basketball Practice Facility and the Wolford Family Strength and Conditioning Facility, and allows for future expansion to include an academic enhancement facility.
“Our new facility will benefit all UTC student-athletics in their quest for comprehensive excellence—academically, athletically and socially,” said Rick Hart, UTC Athletics Director.
This $3.25 million facility will be built on the site of the old Siskin Hospital on Vine Street, near Houston. The strength and conditioning center will be more spacious than the area currently used in McKenzie Arena. The practice court will have four baskets on the side and be slightly oversized. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2008.
This project is made possible through the generosity and support of the individuals and institutions for which these facilities are named, along with additional financial assistance from Bryan Patten.
Vance Travis, Phil Whitfield, and Tilman Wheeler of TWH architects, Inc., have been selected to design the 20,000 square foot facility.
Download facility rendering. (pdf)
