The excitement building up through the fall portion of the athletics season at Augusta University has been amplified by the brand-new look of Christenberry Fieldhouse on the Forest Hills Campus. 

Along with numerous upgrades and enhancements to the almost 35-year-old facility, the athletics complex that houses Jaguar Athletics and the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Education and Human Development has a new "glow up." 

"You come up the hill, and it's just exciting – the momentum is there," said AU Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "We feel like we have one of the best facilities in the Southeast when it comes to arenas, and certainly all the work that's been done here over the past few years for this project is going to make a huge impact on our operation."

In grand Jaguar style, students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans will experience a new energy when attending home games, kinesiology classes or while enjoying one of the many featured events offered to the AU community. 

The outside of Christenberry Fieldhouse is completely redone, including highly durable metal paneling installed on the entire facade in an array of AU colors, a new digital signage board at the main entrance, a multipurpose room that overlooks the court and a reimagined space that has been transformed into the new weight room – the Alvin and Ivette Harris Sports Performance Center. 

Heading into his fourth season with Jaguar Athletics, Erlacher shared how the upgrades elevate the entire university and bring a new energy this year.

"The reaction we're seeing from students, fans and supporters is truly exceptional," said Erlacher.
 

As an ongoing effort, the great work and progress happening at AU takes coordination, time and the dedication of many partners and people to accomplish. 

"When you drive up the hill and you see what's going on, it's just a very exciting space for both the students that are going there for athletics and the kinesiology classes, and the folks that are coming to check out any of the many sports activities that are happening up there in and around Christenberry Fieldhouse," said Craig VanDevere, director of planning, design and construction for AU's Department of Facilities Services.

The facilities department at AU encompasses three teams working in tandem to grow, strengthen and build the buildings that serve to educate students and house faculty and staff. In addition to creating success, it's the greater community in the CSRA that sees and appreciates the cohesion falling in place.  

"Our department handles the design of new facilities and renovations," said VanDevere. "We work with the stakeholders in making sure we get all their information and then we work with our design consultants, architects and engineers to develop the project."
 

According to VanDevere, there is always something interesting going on and showcasing the continued progress, what the teams do and what new projects are "on the board" is a key piece of developing the long-term vision and future of AU.

written by: Katy Hennig
Jagwire