Over the past decade, dynamic improvements to Heidelberg University’s facilities – from infrastructure improvements like technology and science equipment to upgrades to the performance center, classrooms, residence halls, and Beeghly Library, as well as Hoernemann Stadium – have transformed nearly all areas of our beautiful campus.

We are now ready to complete one of the major missing pieces. The new and long-awaited Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center will transform and energize our campus in so many ways.

Our intent is to build an inspiring and welcoming fieldhouse facility to serve the entire Heidelberg campus – student-athletes, non-athlete students, faculty and staff, and our local community.

When constructed, the Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center will encompass 110,000 square feet. It will feature:

• three indoor basketball courts (one wood)
• a competition-level track and field space
• a turf field for field sports and the marching band
• a training room
• locker rooms
• classrooms
• leadership development and team-building space
• a lobby area for events and social gatherings
• an upper-level mezzanine for events and 2-sided viewing
   

Athletics is an extension of the classroom and we want ALL of our students – those who choose to play a sport and those who don’t – to succeed at every level.

A lack of athletic practice space has created operational and logistical barriers. We want to remove those barriers by creating an indoor space that allows our student-athletes to finish their athletic requirements earlier in the day. 

For example, the softball team will now be able to practice with live scrimmaging and more optimum times and avoid the cold weather. Student-athletes who utilize the fieldhouse will have more time for study, socializing, and campus engagement. No longer will teams be forced to practice early in the morning or late at night.

When completed, the Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center will be one of the best facilities in the Midwest and create a point of distinction for Heidelberg. It will elevate HU in the Ohio Athletic Conference.

We firmly believe the new Center also will strengthen community relationships and connect our campus to the greater Tiffin community in new and exciting ways, which tie directly to stronger recruiting, retention, and a sense of belonging.

Our new indoor facility will serve as a figurative bridge that will connect all of our athletic & wellness facilities. Starting in the heart of campus, 'Berg fans can walk from Sayger Court in Seiberling Gymnasium … down to the Saurwein Health & Wellness Center … outisde to Hoernemann Stadium and H's Track …  across Main St. to the new Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center … over to the baseball field Peaceful Valley … up to the softball facility at Frann's Field … then wind up at the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex. 

The newest and largest space on campus is designed to serve everyone. The Center will serve as much more than an athletic space. Academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular student experiences will intersect there to produce exceptional student learning experiences in Exercise Science, Health Science, Sport Management, and graduate Athletic Training. It will free up space for activities for non-student athletes as well. It will create opportunities for new recreational activities such as pickleball, ultimate frisbee, and a revamped intramural program. It will promote greater access to wellness activities campuswide. It will invite community partnerships.

On a larger scale, it will provide space to conduct numerous events and activities such as indoor Commencement, HYPE Career Ready® keynote speakers, and other campuswide gatherings.

In the spirit of competition and camaraderie, the new Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center will give Heidelberg the home-field advantage. 

Just ask Heidelberg Student Senate President Isaiah Young ’25, of Akron, Ohio, and he’ll tell you how important contemporary, student-centered facilities are to the lives of students. “New and vibrant facilities bring about positive emotions in students,” says Isaiah, a star on Heidelberg’s basketball team and a triple major in political science, criminology, and economics. “Adding a fieldhouse will definitely have a positive impact on the ’Berg experience.”

What’s the name of this facility?  

Currently, it’s official title is the Student Athletics, Academic, and Recreation Center, which most accurately describes the versatility of the venue. Most people on campus call it “The Fieldhouse” for simplicity.  

Where is this building going?  

The Fieldhouse will be located on Main Street, across from King Hall. To maximize space, the building will be built on an angle toward a bend in Rock Creek.  

Why that location?  

This site was chosen for a number of reasons. Notably, it will bridge the gap between our outdoor recreation areas at Hidden Valley (soccer) and Peaceful Valley (softball/baseball) and H’s Track and Hoernemann Stadium (track, lacrosse, football).     

What’s going to happen to the Senior Apartments?  Where will they live?

The Senior Apartments and a few houses will be torn down as part of the site preparation. Over the past five years, Heidelberg has completely overhauled France Hall and Miller Hall, built the Townhouses and acquired the Stadium View Apartments. The housing options now are as accommodating as they have ever been!

There’s way too much here to read!  Break it down: How does this building affect me? 

It depends! 

Specifically, the indoor track will be built with the hope of hosting meets throughout the year. The three multi-purpose courts and the 50-yard artificial turf areas will be available for our athletic programs and marching band to practice. All of the space will be available for intramural programming and individual fitness needs.

The classroom space is designed with our Exercise Science, Health Science, Sport Management and our budding Masters of Athletic Training program in mind. 

Generally, the new space provides another (much-needed) space for the Heidelberg community to host large gatherings -- including, but not limited to, commencement, HYPE speakers, academic conferences, student organization activities, or even wedding receptions!

So, what is going to happen to Seiberling Gym and Saurwein Health & Wellness Center?

With the exception of a few less practices, nothing! The Fieldhouse will help alleviate the logjam of teams and organizations vying for time to use the gym. Our Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, and STUNT teams will still compete in Seiberling. The fitness center in Saurwein Health & Wellness Center will remain open for the campus community.

Fantastic! When is the Fieldhouse going to be ready?

We anticipate the Fieldhouse will be ready in the Fall of 2025.

How are we paying for this?

The Fieldhouse will be built with funds solely from private donors.  

Okay, but for real, how much is my tuition going to go up because of this?  

Believe it or not, no tuition money will be used for the creation of the Fieldhouse. Our affordable cost of attendance -- including our Four-Year Graduation Guarantee, the PlusOneAdvantage® MBA Scholarship Program, and the Heidelberg Tuition Guarantee -- all remain in place! It’s just another way for you to maximize the value of your college education.  

Why don’t we use this money on other things?

When giving a gift to Heidelberg, most donors stipulate what that money is to be used to fund.  The money and pledges we have received have been designated for the Fieldhouse and cannot be used for other purposes.  

Why a fieldhouse? Why not a new building for my major or activity?

Rome wasn’t built in a day and Heidelberg can’t transform itself in a day! Enhancing our historic and beautiful campus is a never-ending process.  

In 2022, we completed our $77 million Academic Comprehensive Campaign for Excellence, which funded major renovations to Pfleiderer Hall, Beeghly Library, and The Bryenton Center for the Honors Program. ACCE also funded serious upgrades to campus technology, science equipment, music and theater equipment, and supported our faculty.  

Even as the Fieldhouse is being constructed, university leaders are looking for more ways to make Heidelberg better.  

I love it.  Is there still a way I can get involved as a donor?

Yes, absolutely! We welcome donors who are interested in helping us cross the finish line as we raise the remaining $1.1 million toward the total project cost of $28 million. 

We have opportunities available to name spaces within the Fieldhouse. What better way to leave your mark at Heidelberg than honoring or memorializing a loved one with your gift. Reach out to Ashley Helmstetter, Associate Vice President of Alumni, Advancement and Community Relations, at 419-448-2231 or email ahelmste@heidelberg.edu for more information about making your gift today.

Chasing big dreams takes all of us coming together, believing in this shared vision, and lending our support.

Alumni and 'Berg supporters can honor or memorialize a loved one or recognize someone or something important to you by naming a space for them in the new facility.

For additional information and gifting options, please visit the Heidelberg Alumni homepage or contact:
Ashley Helmstetter, Associate Vice President for Advancement, Alumni, and Community Relations
(419) 448-2331  |  ahelmste@heidelberg.edu 

Greg Cooper, Director of Athletics
(419) 448-2009  |  gcooper1@heidelberg.edu