Georgia Tech's New Athletic Performance Center Embraces Sustainable Construction

Construction on the cutting-edge sports performance center at Georgia Tech recently commenced, marking a significant milestone in the university's commitment to sustainable building practices. This facility exemplifies environmental responsibility, incorporating repurposed steel into its structure.

(Photo : Pexels/Aleksejs Bergmanis )

Construction of the Cutting-Edge Facility

On March 25, the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, an Atlanta-based project designed by the S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) and constructed by DPR Construction, was initiated by Georgia Tech officials. As mentioned, in April of 2022, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the Fanning Center, which is currently being built on the former Edge/Rice Center in the northeast corner of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.

Featuring cutting-edge amenities such as training premises, sports medicine services, nutrition assistance, and expanded meeting and office spaces, the 100,000-square-foot facility will be exclusively devoted to Georgia Tech football. This cutting-edge institute aims to improve the overall health and athletic performance of Georgia Tech student-athletes competing in various sports.

It will reportedly establish an internal data analytics hub to receive comprehensive performance tracking and analysis data from the Fanning Center. The performance center will be facilitated by establishing Georgia Tech's inaugural sports science laboratory, equipped with pro-model motion tracking technology to capture intricate performance metrics from student-athletes. This integrated approach underscores the university's commitment to leveraging advanced methodologies to optimize its students' athletic development and success.

On the other hand, Brian Oliver, a project executive at DPR Construction and a graduate of Georgia Tech, expressed his excitement at bringing Georgia Tech's vision for student-athletes and the university to life in response to the changing landscape of college athletics. Additionally, they are pleased that this endeavor will contribute to advancing prospects for regional laborers in the skilled professions, a significant number of whom have personal ties to the university and its athletic program. Thus, based on the information in the press announcement, the Fanning Center is expected to open in the spring of 2026.

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Sustainable Features of the New Athletic Performance Center

Several sustainability initiatives, including repurposing steel from the Bobby Dodd Stadium on campus, will be incorporated into the Fanning Center, designed by the S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM). The Fanning Center is anticipated to be a component of the Bobby Dodd Stadium in the Hyundai Field neighborhood.

In addition, the carbon footprint of the Fanning Center will be largely offset by the incorporation of energy-saving design elements such as cross-laminated wood across the entirety of the new sporting complex. With the footprint of the previous Edge/Rice Center serving as the foundation, the center is now being built.

Furthermore, in recognition of Dr. Thomas A. Fanning, a graduate of Georgia Tech, the Fanning Center was named after him. Dr. Fanning's commitment to innovative energy consumption serves as an example for the general population at Georgia Tech. In addition, Fanning worked on the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Tech Foundation, the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the Alexander-Tharpe Fund, the Scheller College of Business Advisory Board, and the Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech Steering Committee, where he fulfills the role of co-chairs. At the recent groundbreaking, Fanning was one of several recognized attendees, including some Georgia Tech graduates who have gone on to become designers and builders.

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