Basketball Team Lounges

The University of Akron will convert 5,000 square feet in James A. Rhodes Arena into team lounges for the Zips men's and women's basketball programs and construct a 1,650-square-foot strength-training room that will service four varsity teams. The University's Board of Trustees approved the project on April 28. The lounges will provide enhanced facilities for team activities and be located in proximity to each squad's locker room and arena floor

The project is scheduled to begin in mid-May and conclude in late-July."One of our primary objectives in Zips Athletics is to create a meaningful and memorable experience for our student-athletes, and the addition of team lounges and a new strength and conditioning center certainly meets that goal," Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill said. "This project, which would not be possible without the generous support of our donors, will provide amenities that benefit both basketball programs and their student-athletes, and will allow our coaching staffs to continue to recruit successfully."

The two team lounges will be symmetrical and feature state-of the-art technology, including multi-screen audio/visual equipment for practice and game video analysis, and opponent scouting. The video systems, designed specifically to meet the needs of the Akron basketball programs, will be synchronized with equipment located in the existing coaching staffs' offices to maximize efficiency in video study and game preparation."These improvements are overdue for our successful programs and will add greatly to our recruiting efforts and day-to-day coaching tasks," Vice President for Capital Planning and Facilities Management Ted Curtis said.

The space in each lounge will be flexible in its usability and will support a variety of functions, including team meetings, individual study time, social interaction and recruiting visits. The focus of the remodel will be on new interior finishes, lighting, casework and furnishings. Graphic elements will be incorporated into the overall design to emphasize the identity of each program and the branding of the University and Zips Athletics. Other amenities include study cubicles with computers and extra tall ceilings.