Jacksonville Athletics Announces Plans to Enhance Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning Facility

6/17/2020 10:30:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University Athletics announced today planned enhancements of the field house facility that houses sports medicine, strength & conditioning and several locker rooms. Demolition has already begun and the renovations are set to begin in the coming days with completion anticipated in early fall.

Senior Vice President and Athletics Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert has prioritized facility upgrades for the intercollegiate programs and the athletics field house emerged as a top target for enhancements at the beginning of 2020. The project moved to the top of the priority list when it became clear that the proposed enhancements were essential for improving the health and safety of the student-athletes. The renovated field house will feature expanded sports medicine and weight room space as well as the addition of a turf area for additional training and rehabilitation potential.

“This project has been a top priority for our University and athletics department, especially with recent events in mind” Ricker-Gilbert said. “Facilities matter, but more importantly the health and safety of our student-athletes matters. These enhancements will greatly improve the experience our student-athletes have with our outstanding sports medicine and strength & conditioning staffs in addition to creating a state-of-the-art environment in which to hone their crafts."

The current training room and weight room as currently laid out combine to encompass 4,500 square feet. These renovations and reconfigurations, with the introduction of a 20-yard, L-shaped turf area to the weight room will add an additional 1,900 square feet. The 6,400 square foot space will be designed with an open floor plan to allow for more freedom of movement, increased instruction and rehabilitation capacity and optimal social distancing.

“This renovation will significantly expand the square footage of our athletic training facility," Director of Sports Medicine Doug Frye said. "It is a great opportunity for our student-athletes as we continue to develop and cultivate an environment for providing quality health care in their day to day needs”

Preparation of the space began in early June and renovations are slated to begin as early as this week in an effort to complete the project in time for the return of student-athletes to campus as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

"This is truly and exciting time for the growth and development of the Dolphin Athletes," Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Andrew Bates said. "We are tremendously excited to expand our current weight room! Our goal is to provide elite training and development for our student-athletes and this expansion will greatly improve how efficiently and effectively we achieve that. Huge thanks to Alex Ricker-Gilbert for sharing our vision and continuing to provide an exciting and positive environment for our student athletes."

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