A historic project is underway to create a new state-of-the-art recreation, wellness and athletic complex on Samford’s campus.
These world-class facilities will provide students and employees with expanded opportunities to improve physical fitness and mental wellness as well as new spaces for recreation, events and community gatherings. The complex will also provide new practice and training spaces for the university’s highly successful Division I athletic teams.
The complex will encompass four separate buildings totaling 165,000 square feet and is part of a comprehensive plan for expanded student recreation, health and wellness. The $65 million investment is the largest capital project in the university’s history and represents a key component of the university’s overall campus master plan.
When we invest in the health and wellness of our students, we live out our mission to nurture students in the development of their personhood, addressing their mental, physical and spiritual needs.
Why this project? We seek to develop additional on-campus spaces where our community can gather to play, educate, unite and thrive.
“This new facility will enhance campus life and provide students with spaces to gather, exercise, socialize and participate in numerous recreational activities. From physical fitness and recreation to counseling and health services, this facility will meet students’ needs in mind, body and spirit.”
Beck A. Taylor, Ph.D., President
From a pickup game of basketball to a new, dynamic space for campus events, this complex will foster a sense of fun and play in the lives of Samford students. The new facilities will enable the university to expand our recreation programming to offer more activities for students and accommodate emerging trends, like Esports and functional fitness training.
“The new facilities will provide our students with enhanced opportunities to play sports or participate in recreational activities that will allow them to relieve stress, build character, have fun, work as a team, overcome adversity and form relationships that will last a lifetime.”
Nick Madsen, director of campus recreation
This complex will nurture growth and learning with numerous educational implications. New and expanded dance studios will enable the university to pursue an accredited dance program, and additional health and wellness areas will provide opportunities for students in the health sciences to gain firsthand clinical experience.
“As the plans continue to develop, I am excited to see how these facilities will positively impact our academic programs—from providing space to support existing degrees as well as opening doors to new endeavors. Additionally, we know these facilities will increase our on-campus opportunities for experiential learning, bridging classroom learning to real-life application.”
Marci Johns, senior associate provost
Designed to be a space where student-athletes and the general student body intersect, this complex will present new opportunities for all students to gather as a community and engage in enriching activities like never before. Additionally, the space will be utilized by faculty and staff in numerous ways, integrating them deeper into campus life.
“We have seen glimpses of a completely united campus at our athletic events, and it's been electric. That’s what makes this complex so exciting. It will bring the campus and especially students together in new and exciting ways, generating new levels of school spirit and camaraderie throughout the campus.”
Bucky McMillan, head men’s basketball coach
At the heart of our decision to prioritize this project is a strong desire to see all Samford students flourish in the pursuit of health, happiness and knowledge. This collection of facilities will further equip our students to thrive in all that they do.
“Samford students yearn for connections and lasting friendships. Students are already discussing different events, small groups, projects and bonding moments that the new complex will be able to provide.”
James Jefferson, Student Government Association President (2023-24)
“To compete at the highest level requires that we provide our student-athletes with first class facilities to train, practice and compete. This facility is critical to our future success.”
Martin Newton, Director of Athletics
Seibert Hall
will be completely redesigned to include multiuse courts, studios for fitness classes, esports and dance studios, a state-of-the-art weight room and a multipurpose workout area. There will also be a common space for students to gather with lounge areas, a coffeehouse and a 24-hour convenience store.
Bashinsky Field House
will be fully refurbished, providing a dedicated facility for Samford student- athletes, including new training spaces for teams and dedicated practice spaces for the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs.
Beeson Alumni Center
The first floor of the Dwight and Lucille Beeson Center, located directly across the street from the complex, will also be renovated to serve as the new home for University Health Services and the Samford Cares office consisting of student counseling, wellness program and the CARE team.
A Fourth Building
will be constructed adjacent to Seibert Hall and encompass 30,000 square feet of additional recreation and event space. The new facility will feature a suspended indoor track, additional fitness spaces, sound and staging to host campus events, and covered outdoor athletic space.
“Current and prospective students want a community, social opportunities and a living experience that come with a traditional residential campus. This facility represents a vital investment in Samford’s campus community and these facilities will provide all those advantages to our students for decades to come.”
Betsy B. Holloway, Ph.D., Vice President for Advancement & Marketing
