The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has approved multiple enhancements to Rector Field House, including the construction of a throws area for the highly successful Hokie track and field program. Construction is expected to begin in the fall.
There will be several major areas of improvements, but the largest and most visible will be the construction of an indoor throws area. The addition, on the southwest corner of the building, will feature two throws areas, one for weight throw and one for shot put. The area will feature fluid seating, to allow spectators to view multiple events in the arena. The addition will be connected to the main arena and will be used for both practice and competition.
“The renovation of Rector Field House will provide our program with an outstanding, updated facility, which will enhance the recruitment and training of our student-athletes as well as create a great environment for our home competitions,” Dave Cianelli, director of track and field at Virginia Tech, said. “The commitment to this project by Whit Babcock demonstrates that our administration not only expects our program to be competitive nationally, but is willing to give us a first-class facility to support those efforts.”
Also included in this project is an expanded entrance on the east side of Rector. This will include a permanent lobby, featuring trophy cases for both track and field and softball. Also included are additional restroom facilities and permanent concessions and ticket office space. In addition, a new outdoor plaza will be constructed on the east side of Rector, enhancing both the field house and Tech Softball Park.
A new north wing will be added to Rector. In this wing, there will be an expanded training room, along with two halftime rooms that can be used for soccer and lacrosse games, as well as for administrative space for track and other events. The wing will also feature two referee locker rooms and increased storage for track.
Further enhancements to Rector will include a new roof, new lighting, and a new surface for the track.
“The scope of the improvements that will be made at Rector Field House will benefit a wide range of student-athletes and programs here at Virginia Tech,” Director of Athletics Whit Babcock said. “The new throws area, along with the new surface on the track, will provide our track and field programs a facility that is second to none. We are also pleased that these improvements will have a positive effect on our lacrosse, softball, and men’s and women’s soccer programs, as well.”
The additions will mimic a look similar to the Hahn Hurst Basketball Practice Center and the Indoor Practice Facility. The enhancements to Rector will add approximately 32,000 square feet to the structure.
Improvements to Rector Field House have been designed by Cannon Designs, with Branch and Associates of Salem, Virginia, doing the construction. Total cost for softball and Rector Field House improvements is expected to be $18 million.
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