Men's Basketball Takes the New Court
February 28, 2017
The Titan Men's Basketball team didn't have to be asked to smile for the camera at their first practice in the new gym Tuesday. Their tickets had just been upgraded to first class.
Big enough for two full basketball courts, the new gym is the giant indoor space the campus has been missing. Natural light pouring in from clerestory windows on all four sides make the space seem even bigger - not to mention much brighter and warmer than the old gym. According to new Facilities Capital Projects Manager Brent Palmason, the windows have been equipped with shades for times when gym users might be bothered by direct sunlight or glare.
Built to LEED Gold specifications, the rest of the Wellness Center addition gives the rest of the TCC community plenty to smile about, too. Basketball fans will access the new gym from a huge new entrance area located on the north side of building 20, complete with a ceiling-mounted sculpture and a generous welcome desk. There's another new entrance on the other side of the new gym, and a row of new Athletics department offices overlooking the track. Off the former main entrance to the west, the old athletics department offices are being turned into an open student lounge with a fireplace and comfy seating. Between the two areas, spacious new locker rooms are currently under construction.
According to Palmason, the athletics staff will be moving into their new offices any day now. As the new gym opens, the old gym will house the Fitness Center equipment while the Fitness Center is renovated. Staff and students may lose a few days while equipment is moved, but for the most part, the Fitness Center will remain open during construction.
The Women's Basketball team will play the first game in the new gym when they take on Edmonds at 5 p.m. Jan. 3. Both teams will play a few more games before the gym's "soft" opening, scheduled for the Jan. 25 TCC vs. Pierce game. A Titan Tailgate party will precede the 6 p.m. women's game, and the men play at 8.
Big enough for two full basketball courts, the new gym is the giant indoor space the campus has been missing. Natural light pouring in from clerestory windows on all four sides make the space seem even bigger - not to mention much brighter and warmer than the old gym. According to new Facilities Capital Projects Manager Brent Palmason, the windows have been equipped with shades for times when gym users might be bothered by direct sunlight or glare.
Built to LEED Gold specifications, the rest of the Wellness Center addition gives the rest of the TCC community plenty to smile about, too. Basketball fans will access the new gym from a huge new entrance area located on the north side of building 20, complete with a ceiling-mounted sculpture and a generous welcome desk. There's another new entrance on the other side of the new gym, and a row of new Athletics department offices overlooking the track. Off the former main entrance to the west, the old athletics department offices are being turned into an open student lounge with a fireplace and comfy seating. Between the two areas, spacious new locker rooms are currently under construction.
According to Palmason, the athletics staff will be moving into their new offices any day now. As the new gym opens, the old gym will house the Fitness Center equipment while the Fitness Center is renovated. Staff and students may lose a few days while equipment is moved, but for the most part, the Fitness Center will remain open during construction.
The Women's Basketball team will play the first game in the new gym when they take on Edmonds at 5 p.m. Jan. 3. Both teams will play a few more games before the gym's "soft" opening, scheduled for the Jan. 25 TCC vs. Pierce game. A Titan Tailgate party will precede the 6 p.m. women's game, and the men play at 8.