Notre Dame to construct new indoor facility | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Notre Dame to construct new indoor facility Notre Dame to construct new indoor facility Published: April 06, 2018 Author: Dennis Brown Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame will begin construction soon on a new facility that will expand the indoor space for three varsity athletics programs, which will, in turn, provide greater access to the Loftus Sports Center for other varsity programs, recreational and club sports, campus events and community activities. The 111,400-square-foot Irish Indoor Athletics Center has been underwritten by gifts from a number of benefactors. It is scheduled for completion in July 2019. To be constructed on the site of what is now the western-most field of the Notre Dame football team’s LaBar Practice Complex, the new building will serve as an indoor practice facility for the football and men’s and women’s soccer programs. It may also play host to campus-wide and community events, sports camps, recreational and club sports, pep rallies, game-day hospitality and other programming. Notre Dame’s only large multi-purpose indoor facility is the Loftus Sports Center, which serves as a practice and/or competition facility for many of the University’s 26 varsity athletics programs, recreational and club sports, the marching band and other activities. Because of the heavy demand, many activities in Loftus currently are scheduled late at night and in the early morning hours. During the winter months, it is used at least 18 hours a day. Jack Swarbrick, vice president and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics at Notre Dame, noted that new NCAA policies require colleges and universities to provide practice times for student-athletes that are conducive to a productive academic plan and healthy overall lifestyle. “Much as we have done with our approach to the Compton Family Ice Arena and the recent additions surrounding the football stadium, our focus when developing athletic facilities is to create uses that extend beyond varsity athletics,” he said. “In this instance, in addition to creating what we believe will be the best indoor football practice facility in the country, we are creating additional recreational, club sport and community opportunities, while also ensuring that the students on our other varsity teams are practicing at times that allow for a more typical student experience.” More time and better hours in Loftus also will benefit members of the general student body, according to Erin Hoffmann Harding, vice president for student affairs. “Allowing increased, consistent access to the Loftus Sports Complex,” she said, “will better serve students who compete passionately and successfully in dozens of clubs sports and intramural leagues, and perform in the renowned Band of the Fighting Irish.” Dedicated in April 1988, the Loftus Sports Complex includes a six-lane track one-fifth of a mile long, a 100-yard artificial turf field, an adjoining strength and conditioning facility, batting cages and spectator seating. Posted In: University News Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 03, 2022 Congresswoman Liz Cheney to speak at Notre Dame on the future of democracy September 22, 2022 In memoriam: Rev. Richard Warner, C.S.C., longtime leader for Notre Dame, Congregation of Holy Cross September 22, 2022 ND Forum keynote event to feature Emmy Award-winning actors in Theater of War Productions’ presentation of ‘The Suppliants’ in Notre Dame Stadium September 21, 2022 In annual address to faculty, Father Jenkins outlines campus-wide vision for elevating excellence September 15, 2022 Lilly Endowment Inc. grant helps to expand Notre Dame pre-college programs for Hoosier high school students For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn