Buena Vista University plans to break ground on a new addition to Siebens Fieldhouse, initiating phase one of a $10 million campaign dedicated to enhancing Beaver Athletics. This significant development is made possible through three generous gifts totaling $6.3 million. Coming on the heels of the building of a new apartment-style residence hall, this project serves as an important second step in a series of renovations and expansions included in BVU’s ten-year strategic vision, Building Beyond Expectations.
“One of the core themes of BVU’s ten-year vision is building community, with the goal of this project to provide students access to facilities that better support their individual growth,” said President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D. “This addition and renovation will be the first of several projects in the athletics area that will undoubtedly enhance the overall experience for all students.”
The proposed expansion, spanning more than 7,000 square feet will feature a new athletic performance facility, featuring dedicated areas for strength training, conditioning, cross-training, and rehabilitation which will include 16-inground platforms and power racks, branded weight plates and dumbbells, Olympic-style weightlifting equipment tailored to women and men, and over 1,000 square-feet of turf. Additionally, once the full $10 million is raised, the project will allow for the renovation of key spaces like the Al Baxter Wrestling Room, the Lamberti Recreation Center and Dennis Young Track, locker rooms, general workout space, meeting rooms, and coaches’ offices, further supporting the development and well-being of all students.
This facility addition will strengthen our ability to compete at the highest levels of the American Rivers Conference and NCAA. It will better improve the environment for student-athlete development and their overall success.
Siebens Fieldhouse, which first opened in 1969, is home to the Beavers 21 NCAA Division III teams. The facility houses athletic administrative offices, a gymnasium with a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators, the BVU Athletics Hall of Fame Room, the Fritcher Fitness Center, and the Al Baxter Wrestling Room. The last upgrade took place in 2021 with the repainting of the gymnasium floor and the addition of branding updates to the facilities.
BVU will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 3 to kick off the start of this expansion. Construction is set to begin this summer and will cause minimal disruption to scheduled events, as the new addition will take up an area that is currently pavement and lawn.
