Opening Day for New Athletic Center Approaches

By: Demetrius Young

Hood’s new athletic center opens on Nov. 4. The arrival of this building is a huge asset to the college community.

Many students and staff members alike are breathless with anticipation. A new building means a better way to utilize our resources for all clubs and sports.

Nearly 200 local dignitaries, community members,Hood College faculty, staff, students, members of the boards of trustees and associates were present for the beginning of the program.

Students who decide to come to the celebration will be feasted with plenty of food, drinks, music and other entertainment. An important commemoration will be held. All of the athletic teams will be there and their names will be announced at the dedication.

The athletic center is the second phase of the College’s plan to upgrade its athletic facilities.

The first phase was completed in the fall of 2009 with the installation of the new turf field for Hood’s soccer, field hockey and lacrosse teams.

This new building will house the College’s intercollegiate, recreational, and intramural activities, will be located adjacent to the turf field.  It will be the home for Hood’s men’s and women’s basketball and the volleyball team.

The facility will include:  NCAA regulation-sized court for basketball and volleyball contests, a seating capacity of 1,600, a two-level fitness center and cardio room, offices for athletic department staff, an athletic Hall of Fame recognition display,  full-service athletic training room, four locker rooms, meeting rooms, concession area, and approximately 160 parking spaces.

“It is much more than a basketball gymnasium,” said Volpe. “It is a multipurpose facility for the entire Hood community.”

All students are highly encouraged to be part of the program as they will be part of history here atHoodCollege.

The arena will also be used for non-athletic events, such as commencements.

For the last two years, the school has played its home basketball games at theOdomFitnessCenteratFortDetrick.

Before that, games were played atThomasJohnsonHigh School.

Plans for a new facility have been talked about for years.

In August of last year, the school announced that Warner Construction has been selected to design and construct the facility.

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