Just as fall was settling in on the University of Southern Indiana campus in 2017, crews were beginning the first steps on the renovations and expansion of the Physical Activities Center, transforming it into the Screaming Eagles Complex. Connected with the Screaming Eagles Arena, which was completed in early 2020, the project marked the beginning of Phase II of the University's work on the athletic buildings. The former PAC now boasts a 35,400-square-foot addition, which is home to long list of exciting additions and renovations: new fitness and training spaces for student athletes, an expanded weight room, indoor batting cages for baseball and softball, eight locker rooms for USI and visiting athletes, lounge areas for students and athletes, office spaces for coaches and faculty, classrooms, lab spaces and much more.
One of the largest additions to the complex—and possibly the one most highly anticipated—is the weight room located on the first floor. The space includes various sets of free weights and state-of-the-art weight machines for strengthening and conditioning. At five times the size of the previous athletics weight room, there's also space for for a turf sprint area, climbers and treadmills. Over the summer, the USI Men's Basketball team has already been putting the space to good use.
Study and lounge areas weren't plentiful in the former PAC area. With the new expansion and renovations, however, there are plenty of seats and areas primed for students to gather, study or just relax between classes. The first floor also includes a student athlete lounge with tables, comfortable chairs and areas to find a little quiet time. Upstairs on the third floor, the University's Athletic Communications Department will be able to utilize media rooms built to help ease the process of snapping photos, capturing video, hosting interviews and addressing local media. "We'll be able to get headshots, team photos, green screen materials for all the video boards in the arena and aquatic center," says Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications. "Dan McDonnell and I are excited about the media rooms."
By the end of June this summer, staff from Athletic Communications as well USI's athletic coaches moved into their new office spaces on the second floor. The eight classrooms throughout the three-story building also were being equipped and prepped for the Fall 2021 Semester. The second floor also welcomed in faculty and staff of the Kinesiology and Sport Department. "We're excited to be back on campus and in our new offices," says Simmons. "We haven't been in offices since the start of COVID-19, so this is great to come back to."
Downstairs on the first floor, the Kinesiology and Sport Department will take advantage of brand new labs: The Instructional Performance Center and the Human Performance Lab. Both are equipped with technology and equipment that will allow students to run testing and monitoring through various courses. The Instructional Performance Center mimics a weight room, with free weights and machines to help educate students. The Human Performance lab will feature bikes, treadmills and other equipment to help athletes evaluate effectiveness of training, recommendations for modifications in training and more.
Credits:
Zachary Kuhs, Elizabeth Randolph