FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 26, 2021) – With the opening of the Student-Athlete High Performance Center suddenly less than a year away, the Northern Arizona University men's basketball team was treated to a tour of its future home last week.
Mike Marlow, NAU's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, led the team through the 72,000-square foot facility as the roster was able to get a feel for the building's layout thanks to the advanced stage of its construction.
"With the completion of our Student-Athlete High Performance Center, we are able to tell student-athletes, parents and guardians they can achieve all their academic and athletic goals at NAU," Marlow said. "This facility is a game changer and a testament to the vision of our dedicated donors and alumni."
The Jennifer Marie Wilson Strength and Conditioning Center makes up a large portion of the facility, with the 11,500-square foot space complete with warm up turf, plyometric space and 21 Sorinex weight rack stations.
A one of a kind lab space, the Sims-Treharne Collaborative Research Lab is a collaboration between NAU Athletics and the Health and Human Services Department allowing for real time research between faculty, students and student-athletes.
Another 8,000 square feet is dedicated to the Michael E. Nesbitt Athletic Training Center, named for NAU's longtime athletic trainer and 1992 NAU Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Mike Nesbitt. The High Performance Center will also include 7,000 square feet dedicated to an academic center, a 2,000-square foot altitude training chamber and the 160-seat Parsons Family Auditorium.
Offering both the men's and women's basketball programs additional space with convenient access to the Walkup Skydome, the teams will have dedicated locker rooms in the building along with two full size NCAA regulation basketball courts, a student-athlete lounge and fueling station.
Finally, the High Performance Center will also become the home to the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame and its 40-year history of honoring athletes, coaches and administrators across the department's more than 100-year history.
The Student-Athlete High Performance Center is expected to be completed and operational by January 2022.
Gallery: (4-26-2021) Men's Basketball Student Athlete High Performance C
