Clemson University Athletics and distinguished speakers broke ground on a comprehensive Women’s Sports Expansion project on December 7, 2022. South Carolina firm Garvin Design Group and national sports architecture firm HNTB have worked together with Clemson Athletics and the Lacrosse, Gymnastics, and Rowing programs since 2020. Since then, these teams have produced feasibility studies, preliminary and final designs, and will continue to provide construction management.
The Women’s Sports Program Expansion project includes facilities for Clemson’s existing Women’s Rowing program and the Women’s Lacrosse and Women’s Gymnastics programs coming to campus for the first time. When completed, the complex will include a new lacrosse stadium and operations complex, a new gymnastics operations complex and practice facility, renovations and improvements to the existing rowing center, and a new elite athlete recovery center and student-athlete village. The project’s first phase is set to be completed in late 2023 when the Lacrosse program will move into its new home.
Female designers on the project team noted the its significance. “Being a female designer on this project felt particularly poignant as we envisioned the future for two inaugural women’s sports teams,” shared Garvin Design Group Interior Designer Liza Brockman. “Working with the Lacrosse, Gymnastics, and Rowing teams inspired us to push the envelope of design.”
“We were thrilled to work with Clemson and such a dynamic group of people on this groundbreaking project for Athletics,” said Terry Buchmann, Garvin Design Group Principal and Project Manager. “And we are excited to continue our design partnership with HNTB and look forward to promoting Women’s Sports at Clemson and delivering world-class facilities for each of these programs.”
Garvin Design Group is serving as the project’s Architect of Record with national sports design firm HNTB serving as Sports Architect. Brasfield & Gorrie is the Construction Manager. A longtime Clemson design partner, Garvin Design Group has led many Athletics projects in recent years, including the Soccer Operations Complex and the renovation of the Women’s Basketball Locker Rooms. HNTB commands a wide portfolio of sports fields, stadiums, practice facilities, team spaces, Elite Athlete Recovery Centers, and other facilities for women’s sports nationwide. The firms’ respective portfolios and longstanding partnership on other campuses promise to deliver world-class facilities for Clemson’s new women’s sports programs.
“HNTB is honored to deliver a unique and vibrant architectural vision to Clemson and its women’s teams,” said Eric Maxwell, HNTB Lead Designer. “Along with Garvin Design Group, HNTB has enjoyed our collaboration with coaches, as well as athletics and campus leadership on the design of world-class facilities that provide an unforgettable and high-level athletic experience.”