The massive summer renovations taking place in Bender Arena are nearing completion “right on schedule,” according to new Director of Athletics and Recreation Billy Walker.
Highlights of the makeover include new, improved locker rooms for each of AU’s varsity teams. Prior to this year some locker rooms were shared by more than one team.
“It’s going to benefit our student athletes tremendously they will have their own space for team meetings,” Walker said. “When we bring recruits through we can show we have first class locker room facilities.”
Walker said that his favorite addition is that each locker room has an AU logo on the floor. In his meetings with each team Walker stressed that the logo is a “no walk area.”
“I’m telling the coaches and team captains to set up some extra laps or hills if guys walk on it,” said a laughing Walker. “I know some guys may think it's hokey but I’m going to keep it.”
The locker rooms will be ready for use by the fall teams but will still be receiving finishing touches.
AU Athletics will hold a ceremony sometime in September to honor the completion of the renovations, according to Walker .
