The University of Alabama in Huntsville received approval to upgrade its athletics projects, including a new track and field complex and renovations to the fitness center. The upgrades aim to enhance sports programs, improve facilities for both students and community members and fulfill the university's long-term campus development goals.
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Among the projects discussed, two involved sports and recreation on the Huntsville campus, including the advancement of the new UAH track and field complex, as well as the approval of the initial plans for reconfiguring the University fitness center (UFC).
Sports and recreation will soon be growing by leaps and bounds — maybe even kicks — at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
The University of Alabama (UA) system board of trustees approved plans for three major building initiatives at UAH during the board's meeting on April 4, 2025.
Among the projects discussed, two involved sports and recreation on the Huntsville campus, including the advancement of the new UAH track and field complex as well as the approval of the initial plans for reconfiguring the University fitness center (UFC).
In the case of the track and field facilities, the board granted Stage III approval of the $14.2 million project and signed off on architectural designs submitted by Huntsville's Chapman Sisson Architects. As a result, UAH can now move forward with advertising and bidding the project and plans to seek approval of the construction contract at a board meeting in the near future, according to an April 10, 2025 UAH news release.
The UA board had earlier approved Stages I and II in September 2023, which encompassed the preliminary project scope and budget and allowed UAH to enter into an agreement with the architectural firm to design and administer the project.
Later, in November 2024, UA trustees granted a Revised Stage II approval for the relocation of the university's first on campus track and field complex from Charger Park on John Wright Drive to what is currently a parking lot on the west side of the street.
Cade Smith, UAH's director of athletics, expects the complex to strengthen an already outstanding Chargers athletics program.
"Our track and field program has had a great deal of success under Coach David Cain's leadership," 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 [complex].
"This new facility will not only create better opportunities for our current student-athletes but also will strongly benefit our recruiting efforts as we continue to build a championship-level program," he said.
The new construction also will provide UAH the opportunity to host on-campus sporting events, including Gulf South Conference and Division II championship meets, the university noted.
Along with an NCAA-compliant, 400-m., eight-lane running track with a high-performance surface designed for shock absorption, the project will include jumping, vaulting and throwing event venues.
Among the amenities planned for the track and field facility are:
• An entry plaza;;
• Parking areas for visiting teams and officials;
• A press box and 500-seat main section of bleachers;
• Home and visiting team locker rooms;
• Concession areas; and
• A field house with equipment storage.
The project will be delivered in packages to provide flexibility in scheduling as funding becomes available, UAH noted.
Increased Popularity Driving Upgrades to Fitness Center
In addition, the UA system board of trustees also gave its stamp of approval for Stage I and Stage II of the reconfiguration and renovation of the University Fitness Center (UFC). That included approving the preliminary project scope and $1.2 million budget, which allowed UAH to sign a contract with Chapman Sisson Architects to design and administer the center's upgrades.
"We are very excited about this project," said Ronnie Hebert, UAH's vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "The University Fitness Center has served thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members each year since opening in 2001."
He noted that over the last several years, an increasing number of students have been using the facility as well as participating in intramural activities and sports clubs. Interior renovation and reconfiguration, along with performing needed maintenance and cosmetic improvements, will allow for expanded program offerings, Hebert said.
The facility serves as UAH's primary recreation center and empowers the university community toward a life of overall wellness.
"Making these improvements to the facility will further enhance the campus recreation experience for our students and community patrons," he said.
Located at 500 John Wright Drive, just a couple blocks north of the proposed track and field complex, the fitness center was listed as the 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 UFC improvements are expected to be completed in late 2026, pending further approvals from the UA Board of Trustees, which has the last word on all capital projects at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
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