Iowa State University Olsen Olympic Sports Center

The previous Olympic Sports training facilities at Iowa State University were scattered in multiple locations across the campus, creating a fragmented experience for athletes and complicating logistics. A centralized facility was needed to streamline athlete training and amenities while enhancing functionality and accessibility. The site for this new facility was selected in the lower level of the Stark Performance Center, adjacent to Jack Trice Football Stadium, Hilton Coliseum, and the Bergstrom Indoor Field, thus requiring a design that would harmonize with these existing athletic landmarks.

The Olsen Olympic Sports Center ingeniously consolidates a range of athletic needs—strength and conditioning, sports medicine, hydrotherapy, indoor batting cages, equipment storage, and laundry services—into one comprehensive facility. Centered around a unifying circulation aisle, the center facilitates smooth transitions between diverse training spaces and easy access to the broader amenities of the Stark Performance Center Complex. Special attention was paid to the locker rooms, designed for maximum durability and adaptability to cater to ever-changing rosters and needs. This cohesive facility simplifies the athlete’s journey, elevating both efficiency and experience.