Building Excellence in Higher Education: UTSA Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence (RACE) represents a significant addition to UTSA’s commitment to supporting student-athletes. Completed in 2021, this 95,000-square-foot facility provides a home for UTSA athletes to train, learn, study, and grow. This state-of-the-art center not only reflects UTSA’s commitment to athletic excellence but also represents a forward-thinking approach to student wellness, recruitment, and campus pride.
A Multi-Purpose Space for Athletic and Academic Success
The UTSA RACE facility is thoughtfully designed to meet both athletic and academic needs, creating an environment where student-athletes can excel. The facility includes essential spaces for day-to-day activities such as locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a sports medicine area, and academic lounges. These areas are built to help student-athletes thrive, from physical conditioning to their studies.
Outside, two outdoor football practice fields feature UTSA’s signature Roadrunner mascot, giving athletes a dedicated area to train and practice. The two fields are designed to accommodate different training needs and conditions, with one featuring synthetic turf and the other natural grass. The center’s layout and features make it a hub of activity and a home base for UTSA’s athletes.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation in Higher Education Construction
Building the RACE facility during the COVID-19 pandemic required adaptability and steady planning. Joeris worked closely with UTSA to manage health protocols, supply challenges, and coordination with neighboring site activities.
One of the early strategies was an accelerated early procurement process. By ordering long-lead items ahead of schedule, the project avoided delays that could have affected overall construction timelines. An example of this is the custom hydrotherapy pools that were vital for the center’s sports medicine area. Our team’s advanced planning allowed these components to arrive and be installed seamlessly, saving both time and resources.
Drone technology was used throughout the project to verify spacing and installation angles for drainage systems on the practice fields, improving precision and efficiency. This approach exemplifies the use of cutting-edge tools in higher education construction, showcasing how technology can help overcome site challenges and enhance quality control.
Commitment to Quality and Excellence in Construction
Quality control was a core focus throughout the RACE project. Joeris utilized stringent testing standards, often exceeding specified requirements to ensure the facility would stand as a durable, high-quality space for years to come. The project required thorough coordination, especially when it came to incorporating complex equipment and systems like the HVAC integration in locker rooms and sports medicine areas.
The building’s construction emphasized durability and functionality, while also prioritizing aesthetics. The front foyer features a “Hall of Fame Alumni” lobby, celebrating UTSA’s legacy and creating a welcoming entrance for visitors. Inside, team meeting rooms with stadium seating and a nutrition bar in the weight room reflect UTSA’s holistic approach to athlete development, supporting their well-being both on and off the field.
Sustainability and Community Impact in Higher Education Construction
Sustainability was another important aspect of the RACE project. The project team focused on erosion control during the early phases, managing dust and minimizing environmental impact. Efforts like spraying dirt stockpiles and working closely with UTSA staff to maintain the adjacent lap pool exemplified the project’s dedication to minimizing disruption to the surrounding community and natural environment.
Additionally, the RACE facility serves as a recruitment tool, showcasing the quality of life and support UTSA provides to student-athletes. The building is designed to foster a sense of community and pride, with spaces that allow injured athletes to stay engaged with their team. Treatment rooms, video viewing rooms for position coaches, and state-of-the-art AV facilities help athletes stay connected, supporting their physical recovery and academic performance.
A New Standard for Campus Athletics and Community Pride
More than a facility, the RACE center is a place of support, growth, and connection for UTSA student-athletes. Joeris is proud to have helped bring this vision to life, creating a lasting resource for both athletic development and community pride at UTSA. As the athletics program grows, this center will continue to be a cornerstone, helping athletes succeed on and off the field.
