The Plecker Athletic Performance Center was the first of a five-phase renovation and expansion of James Madison University’s Bridgeforth Stadium. The 47,000 square foot center replaces aging facilities within the football stadium, providing space for the football team, as well as academic advising for all of the university’s athletes.
Visitors enter the building through a two-story, glazed atrium. On the first floor, football players have immediate access to the new locker room, as well as strength training and physical therapy facilities. Equipment, laundry rooms, and private locker rooms for the coaches round out the first floor.
The second floor houses academic advising for all sports. Football team meeting rooms and coaches’ offices are also located here. In addition to these practical functions, the second floor also acts as the university’s Sports Hall of Fame, with stories of legends past told in custom-design exhibits. A balcony running along the entire back side of the building overlooks the football field, creating a coveted gathering space for social functions both on- and off-game days.
"We are extremely pleased with the construction of the Robert and Frances Plecker Athletic Performance Center, which benefits all of our student-athletes with state-of-the-art academic facilities and serves as an entrance and focal point for our football stadium."
Director of Athletics, James Madison University
Client: James Madison University
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Discipline: Practice & Training
Completion: 2004
Size: 47,000 SF
