ATU Dedicates New Multi-Sport Complex

Arkansas Tech University dedicated its new $3.86 million multi-sport complex with a ceremony at the facility on Saturday, April 14.

The new facility provides indoor practice space for the intercollegiate baseball, softball, tennis and men’s golf and women’s golf programs at Tech. Locker room and office space for the baseball program, a training room and a conference room are also included in the project.

It is anticipated that additional intercollegiate athletics programs at Tech and students from the Department of Health and Physical Education will also utilize the facility.

“Trophies are won on the fields and courts of play, but they are earned on the relative solitude of the practice field,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “The hours that our student-athletes invest beyond the public eye, preparing themselves for their opportunity to shine, are to be admired and respected. This multi-sport complex will enhance the opportunities for our student-athletes to prepare themselves for those championship moments. In addition, this facility stands as a demonstration of Arkansas Tech’s continued commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics. We will fight on to victory.”

The ATU Board of Trustees voted in December 2016 to award a contract to Cline Construction Group of North Little Rock to build the complex. AMR Architects of Little Rock designed the structure. A ceremonial ground breaking for the project was held on March 16, 2017, and a topping out ceremony was observed on Aug. 17, 2017.

Funding for the project was provided by private donations and existing university reserves. Major donors, including the late Col. Carl Franklin Baswell of Heber Springs, Harriet and Rick Thone of Russellville, Centennial Bank and Frank Griffin Oil Company, were recognized and received a framed photograph of the facility during the dedication ceremony.

Additional donors, including Verlon Abram, Bridgestone Americas, Dr. David and Jamie Ciesla, Dr. Jeff and Jenny Ward, Dr. Bryant and Brandi Richardson, Billy and Marlene Newton and Gerald and Charlotte Johnston, were also commended for their support of the project.

The multi-sport complex provides space for the functions previously housed in the Stroupe Building, which was demolished in March 2018 following 92 years of service to the university and the surrounding communities.

Multi-Sports Complex Dedication | 4/14/18