Fritz Pollard Jr. Athletic Center Addition

Work to expand the Frederick “Fritz” D. Pollard Jr. Athletic Center is underway as of July.

The addition to the western side of the existing structure is expected to deliver locker rooms, a weight room and a sports medicine area that have so far been located in the Hyslop Sports Center across Columbia Road.

This new addition is also expected to physically connect to the Memorial Village development happening on the opposite side of the outdoor track and field. A corridor constructed along the north wall of the historic Memorial Field will link the two buildings, according to Brian Larson, project manager and director of construction management.

“The project completes the goal of relocating UND Athletics’ spaces that are currently in the Hyslop Sports Center into modern spaces that will assist with recruiting and developing future student athletes, as well as continue facilitating the already impressive academic achievements of our student athletes,” Larson said.

And, according to Mike Mannausau, vice president of development for the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, fundraising is ongoing to make the project 100% philanthropically funded.

“I am always amazed with the passion our alumni and friends have for UND Athletics,” Mannausau said. “This passion has carried over into a philanthropic spirit, and, without the support of our alumni and friends, this wonderful project wouldn’t be possible.”

Preparing the site

This summer, much of the work is dirt-moving – preparing the site for its eventual foundations.

Crews are also installing erosion control measures and relocating underground utility lines ahead of the excavation, as well as modifying the existing roof’s drainage system, according to Larson.

With the main entryway currently located on the west side of the building, an alternate entrance has been established for public access to the facility, Larson said. The alternate entrance will likely serve the building for the duration of the project.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Fritz Pollard Jr. Athletic Center Addition will happen toward the end of August, according to UND Facilities Management. Then, throughout the fall, concrete foundations will be poured following excavation and construction of site utilities. The pre-engineered, metal shell of the building will likely show up in February, meaning walls for the addition will be visible toward the end of winter, in 2024.

For now, much of the work won’t be too visible for the campus community.

The current estimate for project completion is sometime in fall 2025.

“In the meantime, we have a lot of construction work that will be coming together in short order,” Larson said. “Work this summer and fall is critical to set us up for a productive winter season.

“Once we have the excavation and foundation work completed, crews can install steel exterior sheathing and create an indoor environment – using temporary heating – that will allow construction to continue throughout the winter.”

Updates will be available on the Campus Renewal blog, but campus-goers are advised to watch out for construction traffic and workers while in the area.