The weather in Dallas can be extremely hot and unpredictable, especially in the early months of the fall season. That used to mean, no practice for SMU’s outdoor sports teams. But, that’s not the case anymore.
“Since we have this indoor, it’s not going to impact anything,” said Justin Guy-Robinson a member of SMU’s Football Team.
This space gives athletes a cooler place to practice in more ways than one.
“We would absolutely die if we tried to do it in the 100 degree heat,” said Ashton Wood’s a member of SMU’s Track and Field Team.
Kris Harris, the Associate Director for Facilities and Event Operations said “some type of cooling helps your body recover quicker and so they’re able to stay better hydrated, better recovered, and it’s not just football… it’s practically all of our teams.”
A new state-of-the-art Indoor Performance center is the new home to many athletes.
“It’s nice to go in and get the reps we need without being out in the heat,” said SMU’s Men’s Soccer’s Luke Thompson
When bad weather would hit the area, teams in the past would have to travel off campus in order to practice. Now, they can easily access an indoor facility right on the boulevard.
“We walked right down the street, you know we’re 200 yards away,” said Harris. “It’s a time saver.”
The 67,000 square-foot building was designed to blend in on campus, despite the size of the facility
“Quite honestly,” Harris said, “you drive down Bishop Boulevard and you would not even realize what’s just behind this building”
The building houses a field house, multi-purpose boulevard club, and recruiting lounge. The newest addition to campus and the high-tech facilities that come with it has impressed members of SMU Athletics.
“It’s amazing,” said Guy-Robinson, “it’s a blessing man.”
“Every year,” said Harris, “the technology just increases, and this is just another part.”
The building is also helping in another area.
“I think it really builds our reputation especially for recruits,” said Woods.
The best part of the facility for one athlete: “everything about it really,” said Guy-Robinson.
The space will be used for both athletic practices and campus-wide events, offering a little bit of something for everyone.
