Vanderbilt Athletic Facility Upgrades Starting To Take Shape

As part of the Vandy United campaign, a first-of-its-kind $300 million investment into athletics for the school, the university shared some details about facility upgrades and enhancements today.

In conjunction with an architecture firm, the university released an aerial map that better illustrate key first-phase projects.

The first phase of projects will include the following: an indoor full-length practice facility, expanded football and McGugin centers, and a basketball operations center. Vice chancellor for athletics Candice Lee sees the improvements as a step in the right direction for the future of Vanderbilt athletics.

“We continue to be excited about the transformation of Vanderbilt Athletics,” said Lee. “Commodore Nation’s response to Vandy United has been nothing short of overwhelming. There is much work that remains, but it’s great to see our future begin to take shape.”

For long-suffering Vandy football fans, improvements to the north and south end zones will also be a welcome sight. The south end zone will become a facility of its own, with house premium seating options, hospitality spaces, upgraded concessions, and a new student-athlete dining center. The north end zone, much maligned for its disjointed feel in comparison with other SEC football monoliths, will finally be reimagined as a premium seating option as well. What that means, specifically, is yet to be determined, but literally anything is an improvement over the bleachers sitting there, now.

Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said that Vandy United represents a new chapter for the school, while also holding onto the tradition of excellence Vandy enjoys off the field.

“Vandy United is guided by the same core values we all share at Vanderbilt: Collaborating across the Vanderbilt community to realize a bold vision and pursuing excellence no matter what obstacles may lie ahead,” Diermeier said. “Candice and I are equally committed to solidifying a student-athlete experience at Vanderbilt that is second to none—a place where talented college athletes can compete in the nation’s best conference while receiving a world-class education that will serve them well for life. We are fortunate to have the support of so many people as we launch this vital initiative.”

Other athletic upgrades are being determined for later phases, too. The Currey Tennis Center, the track and field complex, and the baseball facilities are all due for renovations.

Phase One construction is set to begin at the conclusion of the 2021 football season. Vandy United’s $300 million in funding comes from an equal mix of university capital investment, private gifts, and community donations.