Explore the Edwards Family Athletics Center  |  Watch the Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony


DAVIS, Calif. – Led by Chancellor Gary S. May and Director of Athletics Kevin Blue, Intercollegiate Athletics hosted a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for its comprehensive academic, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and team facility on Wednesday to celebrate the start of this 50,000-square-foot project, designed by Gensler and built by AECOM Hunt. As the exclusive provider of health care services to student-athletes, UC Davis Health will also serve students, faculty, staff and the Davis community from within the building's footprint.
 
"This student-athlete performance center is a perfect example of the growing collaboration between UC Davis Athletics and UC Davis Health," said May.

"This is a first-class facility that will maximize one's time as an athlete, and a student, while at UC Davis. For UC Davis Health, this is the ultimate fulfillment of a goal to have an expanded footprint on campus and provide sports medicine access to our local community."
 
This capital investment, unlike any project in department history, further strengthens ICA's commitment towards developing an environment that encourages student-athletes' personal growth, academic, athletic and positive post-graduate success.
 
Said Blue, "I am excited about this facility because of the transformational impact it will have on our student-athletes, specifically their health and well-being.
 
"There is a centralized hub for training and rehabilitation, gathering spaces for teams, and expanded footprint for the Aggie EVO program — our system that helps student-athletes move into the best possible job or graduate school opportunities upon completion of their UC Davis degree."
 
Thanks to a generous donation from its largest supporter, Blue also announced the new name of this facility — one that will benefit each of UC Davis' 25 intercollegiate programs – the Edwards Family Athletics Center.
 
"Bruce Edwards and his family have made an exceptional impact on our organization. His donor contributions are extraordinary, but more than that, he has really invested himself in getting to know our student-athletes, coaches, and being there every step of the way throughout this process," said Blue. The depth of knowledge he possesses about our student-athletes, coaches and teams is special."    
 
"This is a great day for UC Davis, UC Davis Health, UC Davis Athletics and a dream come true for me thanks to the leadership of Chancellor Gary May and Director of Athletics Kevin Blue. This facility is a game-changer," said Edwards.
 
Added Blue during the event organized by MetroMedia Productions, "The Edwards Family Athletics Center addresses the growing needs of our athletics program, which has grown in size and scope over the last few decades. We are excited to see this come to fruition; this would not have happened without the generous support of our donors."  
 
The Paul and Nancy Sallaberry Strength and Conditioning Center is the biggest space within the new facility, providing a greater number of student-athletes and teams with the ability to work out at more convenient times. Compared to the current weight room located at Toomey Field, the new training area is nearly four times larger in size.
 
In addition to team meeting rooms that will provide ample areas for teams to study and prepare for games, the Bruce and Marie West Auditorium will seat 140 individuals and is available for student-athletes, coaches and UC Davis students to organize large gatherings. The Edwards Family Athletics Center features technology throughout the entire building that allows coaches to use these meeting rooms, or the auditorium, as a second office.
 
The Mike and Renee Child meeting rooms and EVO Lounge provides additional quiet space for student-athletes to study for exams, work on class projects or enjoy a break from their daily class and workout schedules. This area includes offices for Outcomes Advisors, opportunities for student-athletes to network, participate in Aggie EVO-related programming, conduct mock interviews and continue preparing for a successful launch upon graduation.
 
Centrally located to allow maximum efficiency and collaboration with strength and conditioning staff, the Sports Medicine Center will become the new home for athletic trainers, doctors and unit leadership. One of the largest areas of the building will feature hot and cold tubs — a common tool for recovery — to help sports medicine and strength staff implement modern and more effective injury prevention and recovery plans.
 
Every team will have the opportunity to train on Bob Biggs Field — a natural grass area located adjacent to the building and named for the UC Davis alumnus and legendary football coach. This new field will eliminate the need for student-athletes to travel across campus and practice on natural grass, and help them create the most time-efficient schedule each week.
 
In addition to outcomes advisors, football, basketball, lacrosse and field hockey coaches will permanently move to the Edwards Family Athletics Center. Conveniently located near the site of practice and competition, this new office complex provides opportunities for everyone to showcase UC Davis Athletics' points of pride to recruits, additional areas to conduct player or team meetings and prep for games.
 
During the facility's construction, a full renovation of the Bob Foster Team Center will take place to maximize available space within the building's footprint. Once completed, this facility will include updated locker rooms, offices and equipment space for football, lacrosse and field hockey.
 
Additional naming opportunities are available within the Edwards Family Athletics Center at a variety of levels. Visit EdwardsAthleticsCenter.com to discover how these transformational investments positively impact the student-athlete experience at UC Davis.


 
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.
 
The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.