From the Ground Up: Valor Center

Owner: Evangel University
General contractor: Williams Construction Co.
Architect: Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective
Engineers: CJW Transportation Consultants LLC, civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; and Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 70,000 square feet
Cost: $21.5 million
Funding source: Capital campaign
Estimated completion: Summer 2024
Project description: The centerpiece of Evangel University’s Here. Now. capital campaign, which has raised $18 million toward its $22 million goal for new construction on campus, the Valor Center, is starting to rise on the west side of the university’s grounds. North of the football field, the building includes the 30,000-square-foot Randy Rowden Training Facility with VIP football seating overlooking the north end zone. The training facility will house football and soccer programs, according to the university’s website, as well as a strength training room, athletic medicine hub and a 2,500-square-foot multipurpose room for campus events. University spokesperson Erin Hedlun said the Valor Center arena will include a home-game court and two other courts for basketball and volleyball practices and tournaments, as well as a concourse with concessions, offices and meeting rooms. The arena will seat around 1,300, she said. “We’re excited to have not only a space for our athletes but also another great space on campus to host all sorts of student events and even community events,” Hedlun said.
—Karen Craigo, Reporter