Fieldhouse and Soccer Support Building University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wis.

Project Description:

This fieldhouse at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a much-needed space for athletic, recreation and academic programs. The design of the facility echoes the university’s architectural heritage, integrating seamlessly within the campus’s traditional brick-and-mortar aesthetic, while introducing innovative design elements that anticipate the future needs of the school’s athletic programs. The facility is intentionally located adjacent to the football stadium and is designed to become an enclosed track and field asset that fully supports future national and state championships. The project garnered broad student support, evidenced by a student referendum with a 36 percent voter turnout, underlining the community’s commitment to enhancing the university’s capabilities and its ability to host premier athletic events.

This fieldhouse is a valuable addition to the university’s multifunctional facilities. The venue contains a 200-meter track and field area, four tennis courts, spaces for badminton and volleyball, batting cages, a golf practice area, archery spaces, a jogging track, team meeting rooms, athletic training spaces, locker rooms and storage areas.

The building’s layout follows a clear linear north/south axis, extending from the elevator tower and grand stairway at the main entry to the south, across the eight-lane 200-meter indoor track, down the middle of the upper-level walking/jogging track, through the field events areas, and into the locker, team and storage areas to the north. This layout facilitates streamlined access throughout the facility and optimizes the utilization of operational spaces, such as locker rooms, training rooms and storage areas by consolidating them efficiently.