Northern Arizona's New Student-Athlete High-Performance Center

An E&I 2-Minute Read

Northern Arizona University's new Student Athlete High Performance Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to incorporate elements of nature and the surrounding mountain range. The 77,000 square foot facility is now two years old and cost about $47 million. The facility offers unobstructed views and a unique experience with a 140-foot pedestrian bridge, allowing visitors to be at canopy level with ponderosa pines. It is situated east of the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome and emphasizes indoor-outdoor connections. 

The 3,000 square-foot Grand Hall celebrates Lumberjack success on and off the field, showcasing achievements and honoring donors. The auditorium features views of Humphreys Peaks (12,600 feet) and the San Francisco Peaks. The facility also prioritizes academic excellence, providing a centralized academic area for student-athletes to study and meet with advisors. Branded academic success installations are featured throughout the space. Additionally, the team lounge offers a relaxing environment with beautiful views, promoting camaraderie and friendly competition.

The strength and training spaces are designed to accommodate multiple teams and offer direct physical connections to the practice field. Notably, the facility boasts the largest altitude training chamber on a collegiate campus. Adjacent to the weight room, the sports medicine area features dedicated rehab space and three hydrotherapy pools. Student-Athletes receive physical and mental training, along with rehab and hydrotherapy, just a short walk from the weight room. Because nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy body, NAU positioned the nutrition station in a high-traffic area to encourage Lumberjacks to grab a healthy snack, refuel, and socialize with their peers.

About the Construction

The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Student-Athlete High-Performance Center project included the new build of a 70,000-square-foot facility in Flagstaff, AZ. The facility features a public welcome area with an NAU Hall of Fame and box office, practice gymnasiums, strength and conditioning areas, sports medicine facilities, a nutrition station, oxygen-related altitude training, and recovery spaces, lockers, team lounges, coaching offices, academic support spaces, and more. The project was constructed on a concrete foundation with a pre-engineered metal building and steel structural frame, an insulated metal panel exterior, and a metal and membrane roof. The Student-Athlete High-Performance Center is a collaboration between NAU Athletics and the College of Health and Human Services that now provides educational opportunities for NAU students.

Construction took advantage of the majestic campus setting. The trees and nearby mountain ranges are strong elements of the NAU Lumberjack identity. Entering the building is an experience, as it opens with a 140-foot pedestrian bridge through ponderosa pines. Since the performance center sits above the tree line with unobstructed views of the 12,600 foot Humphreys Peak and San Francisco Range, the auditorium has a beautiful view for student-athletes during training. The center area is called the Grand Hall, and features 3,000 square feet open to the public. 

Designated areas among the two lower levels are dedicated to improving all aspects of the student-athletes daily routine. The academic lounge is a place to congregate, study, and meet with advisors. The team lounge has proven to be a key space as teammates relax together and build the comradery needed to win championships. Locker rooms have custom lockers and thematic lighting that reinforces the Lumberjack brand. 

The Construction Manager

The construction manager for this project is Core Construction. With your institution's E&I membership, you have a procurement contract with Core Construction. The CORE Construction contract delivers Job Order Contract (JOC) services, creating customized buildings that meet E&I member needs while strengthening the community by using local workforce. All work is completed using alternative project delivery methods and an emphasis on consistent communication through innovative technology and option studies. This contract is available in all 50 states.

See your procurement contract with Core Construction.