University of Iowa Gymnastics and Spirit Squads Facility Opens for Student-Athletes

Iowa City, IA – The University of Iowa has officially opened the doors to the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squad Facility, a state-of-the-art training space designed to support the university’s Women’s Gymnastics team and Iowa Spirit Squads. Designed by Substance Architecture, the new facility marks a major step forward for both programs, providing them with dedicated, high-performance amenities tailored to their specific training needs.

New UI Gymnastics, Spirit Squads Facility Named After Nagle-Duda

The facility features two expansive gymnasiums, one for gymnastics and the other for the spirit squads, connected by a corridor of branded team spaces. These include locker rooms, an athletic training suite, a multipurpose room, and team meeting areas—all designed to enhance the training experience.

For the gymnastics team, the new space includes competition-level beams, vault runways, uneven bars, and a dedicated floor exercise area. Meanwhile, the spirit squads now have a dedicated space featuring permanently installed Marley flooring, cheer mats, and a built-in sound system, ensuring they can train at the highest level.

The building’s exterior reflects the energy and movement of the athletes within. The gymnasium spaces are clad in insulated metal panels, with decorative fins adding visual rhythm inspired by athlete movement. Inside, the theme continues with dynamic wall graphics and locker room designs reinforcing team identity.

In addition to its performance-enhancing design, the facility also prioritizes sustainability. A geothermal heating system will provide cost-effective and eco-friendly climate control for the large-volume gymnasiums.

The opening of the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics and Spirit Squads Training Center underscores the University of Iowa’s commitment to the advancement of women’s athletics. By providing these teams with a world-class training space, the university is ensuring that Iowa’s gymnasts and spirit squads have the tools they need to reach new heights.

The facility is now open and in use, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both programs.