University of Arkansas to Renovate Athletics Facility

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., recently announced a 15-month renovation project for its HPER (Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) Building on campus, according to a university news release. The renovations will feature infrastructure and architectural updates, as well as an additional 13,000 square feet of fitness center space. The project will cost an estimated $24 million coming from general obligation bonds supported by facilities fees.

Updates will include new turf-functional training areas, updated fitness equipment, new multi-purpose spaces, and modernized locker rooms, the news release reports. Two students served on the renovation planning committee during the process to provide input and feedback on behalf of the university community.

"This will be an impactful improvement for our students and the university community,” said Kristin DeAngelo, interim executive director of University Recreation. “University Recreation is committed to the health and wellness of our campus, and it shows in this renovation. We are very thankful to the students who led the efforts to fund this project and are now able to see it come to fruition. As we embark upon these upgrades, we continue to focus on the ability to better serve the student body at the University of Arkansas.”

The university partnered with SmithGroup & Hufft for the project’s design, C.R. Crawford for construction, and UARK Facilities Management for construction services. The renovated facility is scheduled to open in fall 2025, according to the university website.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.

  • Amazon Expands Lockers to More Than 500 College, University Campuses

    Amazon recently announced that its Locker Network now totals more than 750 locations at more than 500 college and university campuses around the United States, according to a company news release.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.