Aside from winning national championships, there is not much more exciting in life for college athletes other than new athletic facilities. All of a sudden, your old facility becomes a state-of-the-art building with crazy technology and amazing amenities. Many schools have unveiled new facilities or plans for new facilities this year. Here is a list of seven of the coolest Division I announcements so far in 2023:
1. Wake Forest
The brand-new McCreary Football Complex at Wake Forest University is a sight to see. The complex cost $38 million and includes amenities such as a hydrotherapy room, sleeping pods, a recovery room, 130 lockers, a nutrition center, a players' lounge, a game room, and a barbershop. The Demon Deacons are 1-0 so far this season with a promising win over Elon. It may be too early to say, but the fresh haircuts could be a lucky charm for the season.
2. Clemson
Clemson University has recently announced plans for a new state-of-the-art performance and wellness center. The new facility should be open during the 2024-2025 year and is expected to cost around $50 million. The facilities will include a gourmet kitchen, a strength and conditioning center, cryo therapy, sensory deprivation areas, and a new volleyball suite for players and fans. The Tigers will be living lavishly within a couple of years.
3. Fresno State
Fresno State has reported plans for a new $250 million Division I athletic facility. The plan includes renovations to the football stadium, locker rooms, nutrition center, strength and conditioning center, a new baseball and tennis clubhouse, a soccer and track and field stadium, a new aquatics center, and a new equestrian arena. The Bulldogs are taking their athletics to a whole new level.
4. Michigan State
Michigan State University recently renovated its Munn Ice Area. The renovations cost $26.7 and include a new locker room, film room, a weight room just for the hockey team, and a recovery area with hydrotherapy. The 3x NCAA National Champions will be looking for a fourth championship with their luxurious new facilities.
5. Ole Miss
In July, the University of Mississippi football team moved back into the Manning Athletics Performance Center. The facility was under construction for a year and a half and cost about $45.7 million. This practice facility for Ole Miss includes fueling stations, hydrotherapy chambers, massage therapy, a sensory deprivation tank, concussion rehabilitation technology, a barber shop, hydro tanks, a video game lounge, and NIL meeting spaces. Ole Miss dominated their first game of the season 73-7. It seems like the state-of-the-art renovations are being put to good use!
6. Middle Tennessee State
Middle Tennessee State University announced its plans in January for a new athletic facility. This $66 million project will allow students access to a new strength and conditioning room, nutrition stations, hydrotherapy pools, and locker rooms. This project will certainly open many doors for the Division I program.
7. Auburn
Auburn University unveiled its new Woltosz Football Performance Center in January of this year. This new facility cost $91.9 million. It all includes a new weight room, an indoor practice field, two outdoor grass fields, hydrotherapy, wet pools, a therapy pool, an innovation lab, two locker rooms with beanbags, videogames, and a barbershop, and a massive film and meeting room. Auburn is investing tons of money into its football program and hopefully for Tigers, it will all pay off this season and the ones to come!
Image Credit: Auburn Tigers
