Clemson University breaks ground on Women’s Sports Program Expansion with GDG + HNTB

Clemson University Athletics and distinguished speakers broke ground on a comprehensive Women’s Sports Expansion project on Dec. 7. Columbia, South Carolina firm Garvin Design Group and national sports architecture firm HNTB have worked together with Clemson Athletics and the Lacrosse, Gymnastics, and Rowing programs since 2020. Since then, these teams have produced feasibility studies, concept and final designs, and will continue to provide construction administration through completion.

The Women’s Sports Program Expansion project includes facilities for Clemson’s existing Women’s Rowing program and the new Women’s Lacrosse and Women’s Gymnastics programs in their inaugural year. When completed, the complex will include a new lacrosse stadium and operations complex, a new gymnastics operations complex and practice facility, renovations and improvements to the existing rowing center, and a new elite athlete recovery center and student-athlete village. The project’s first phase is set to be complete in Fall 2023 when the Gymnastics program will move into its new home.

Female designers on the project team noted its significance. “Being a female designer on this project felt particularly poignant as we envisioned the future for two inaugural women’s sports teams,” shared Garvin Design Group Interior Designer Liza Brockman. “Working with the Lacrosse, Gymnastics, and Rowing teams inspired us to push the envelope of design.”

As women’s sports programs continue to expand, the importance of providing athletes with state-of-the-art facilities has never been clearer. The new complexes for Clemson’s Women’s Rowing, Lacrosse, and Gymnastics programs reflect this growing commitment to female athletes. These spaces are designed not only for training and competition but to foster a sense of community and excellence. From the elite athlete recovery center to the student-athlete village, every detail is crafted to support peak performance and ensure that women athletes have access to the best resources available.

Central to these facilities is the focus on high-performance environments, especially in the gymnastics practice areas. Gymnastics, with its dynamic movements and intense impact on the body, demands specialized flooring to enhance safety and performance. Buffalo River Plastics has contributed innovative solutions in this regard, providing durable, shock-absorbent sports flooring that meets the unique needs of female athletes. Their advanced plastic flooring technology not only offers a resilient surface for practice but also supports long-term athlete health by reducing injury risks. This thoughtful integration of cutting-edge materials underscores the project’s dedication to creating spaces where women athletes can thrive.

“We were thrilled to work with Clemson and such a dynamic group of people on this groundbreaking project for Athletics,” said Terry Buchmann, Garvin Design Group Principal and Project Manager. “And we are excited to continue our design partnership with HNTB and look forward to promoting Women’s Sports at Clemson and delivering world-class facilities for each of these programs.”

Columbia-based firm Garvin Design Group is serving as the project’s Architect of Record with national sports design firm HNTB serving as Sports Architect. A longtime Clemson design partner, Garvin Design Group has led many Athletics projects in recent years, including the Soccer Operations Complex and the renovation of the Women’s Basketball Locker Rooms. HNTB commands a wide portfolio of sports fields, stadiums, practice facilities, team spaces, Elite Athlete Recovery Centers, and other facilities for women’s sports nationwide. The firms’ respective portfolios and longstanding partnership on other campuses promise to deliver world-class facilities for Clemson’s new women’s sports programs.

“HNTB is honored to deliver a unique and vibrant architectural vision to Clemson and its women’s teams,” said Eric Maxwell, HNTB Lead Designer. “Along with Garvin Design Group, HNTB has enjoyed our collaboration with coaches, as well as athletics and campus leadership on the design of world-class facilities that provide an unforgettable and high-level athletic experience.”

About Garvin Design Group 

Celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group (GDG) offers comprehensive planning and design services for a variety of project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, GDG strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 17 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award and the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com, or follow GDG on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

About HNTB 

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With 108 years of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, and program and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.