Thomas College Sukeforth Family Sports Center

An athletics department hub, the Sukeforth Family Sports Center is a facility at Thomas College that plays a vital role in the recruitment and retention of athletes, students, and coaches. A popular stop on campus tours, the sports center serves a sizeable student-athlete population. It is the first phase of a multibuilding sports complex, including an attached gymnasium and fieldhouse.

Upper-level spaces feature home and visiting team locker rooms, official rooms, trainer’s facilities, laundry, and storage for uniforms and equipment. A state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center, light-filled reception and viewing area, and functional areas, such as office space and mixed-used rooms, are located on the lower level.

Client

Thomas College

Location

Waterville, ME

Square Feet

18,000

Completion Year

2023

Awards

2024 American School & University Architectural Portfolio, Outstanding Design for Sports Stadiums/Athletics Facilities

The 16,590-square-foot Sports Center is the keystone element of the first phase of a proposed larger facility, which would feature an attached gymnasium and field house. The public viewing deck provides a place to watch games on the field or host a reception.

Strength and conditioning

The upper-level spaces will include a reception and viewing area, athletic department offices, a meeting/film room, public restrooms, and a strength and conditioning center.

Athletic training room

Lower-level spaces include locker rooms for home and visiting teams, officials rooms, trainer’s room/facilities, laundry, and uniform/equipment storage.

The Hall of Fame Wall is immediately in view when entering the center.

A reception area, meeting room, and dedicated workroom

Varsity eSports Arena

At Thomas College, the recruitment and retention of their coaching and administrative staff are just as important as it is for players. Providing a top-tier office suite for coaches and staff was a key program requirement and will be a differentiator within their conference. Private offices with floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize natural daylight into the offices and allow uninterrupted views of the athletic fields.