UW’s High Altitude Performance Center Officially Opens [VIDEO]
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead called it the “House That Craig Built.” The grand opening for the new Mick and Susie McMurray High Altitude Performance Center was Saturday.
In front of an invitation-only crowd that was standing room only and featured numerous donors to the project in attendance, in the main south entryway, eight speakers highlighted this impressive $44.5 million building that was created with $24.5 million in private donations and $20 million in state matching funds. University leadership, plus Governor Mead, Susie McMurray and a few other major donors cut the ribbon after an official opening ceremony that took about an hour.
University of Wyoming Foundation President Ben Blaylock opened the festivities. Athletic Director Tom Burman, University President Dr. Laurie Nichols, UW Board of Trustees Vice President Jeffrey Marsh, Susie McMurray, April Brimmer Kunz, Governor Mead and head football coach Craig Bohl all thanked donors and spelled out the vision that created the facility in addition to it becoming a reality that was finally complete Saturday.
The High Altitude Performance Center adds an additional 71,000 square feet to the renovated 47,000 square foot Rochelle Athletics Center. It features an 8,700-square foot football locker room, a player’s lounge, an academic center, a nutrition center that can seat 145 and a recruiting lounge. There’s also a new football weight room, Olympic Spots weight room, an altitude simulation chamber, a theater-style meeting/video room, new Sports Medicine area, recovery pools, office space, meeting rooms and even a barbershop.
The project was done on time and on budget according to A.D. Tom Burman. This closes a chapter to the current phase of renovations in athletics facilities, for now, said Burman. He referenced the Wildcatter Stadium Club & Suites, the two phases of the Arena-Auditorium, plus the new video and scoreboard on the south end of War Memorial Stadium.
What’s next, Burman alluded to the swimming and diving facility at Corbett Pool that isn’t near Division I standards. He also referenced the west side of War Memorial Stadium for fans with restrooms, concessions, seating, lights and even the press box.
Here’s a quick walk-through of the entire Mick & Susie McMurray High Altitude Performance Center beginning in the new football weight room.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead called it the “House That Craig Built.” The grand opening for the new Mick and Susie McMurray High Altitude Performance Center was Saturday.