On February 8, Vanderbilt University broke ground on the first Vandy United construction project. The event, for the new basketball operations center and north end zone project, was followed by a thrilling last second basketball victory by the Commodores over the University of Tennessee at Memorial Gym that reinforced the excitement for the future of Vanderbilt athletics.

Vandy United

SSR has been engaged with Vandy United, a $300 million master planning effort focused on athletics, for over two years, working alongside Populous and other design team partners. This initiative is designed to reimagine the future of athletics at Vanderbilt by supporting major facilities and operational enhancements. Identified projects include work for the men’s and women’s basketball, tennis, and golf programs, as well as the football team.

Basketball Operations Center

Located in the north end zone of Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium, the new muti-story men’s and women’s basketball operations center will feature two practice gyms covering more than 90,000 SF, student-athlete facilities, and easy access to Memorial Gymnasium. Premium hospitality areas will also overlook the football stadium and enhance the gameday fan experience. Concurrent north end zone construction will also connect the stadium’s east and west concourses for the first time. The project also includes a new videoboard and premium seating experiences inside the stadium.

Upcoming Work

The basketball center is only one of Vandy United’s signature projects. SSR also expects construction to soon begin on the south end zone project. This work will include a new seating bowl and a 130,000 SF multi-story building featuring the Anchor Down club, tailgate and founder suites, and loge seating areas, a student-athlete dining facility, and other amenities.

With 33 Vanderbilt alumni at SSR and on our sports team, these projects are an exciting opportunity for us to have a lasting impact in facilities and on a campus that hold special memories for so many of us. You can follow construction progress with the live construction camera. Anchor Down and Go ‘Dores!