Photo courtesy of University of New Mexico

The project will be honored at the AGC NM Best Buildings & Education Auction event on May 17.

The AGC of New Mexico recently recognized the University of New Mexico for its outstanding work on the construction of the new UNM New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center.

Photo courtesy of Franken Construction

The AGC awarded the new facility as the Best Buildings Award within the $2.5 million to $5 million range. Franken Construction was the general contractor responsible for the project. Projects were judged by accomplished peers who looked deeper into the construction management challenges, expertise of crafts and sustainability of a project.

The project will be honored at the AGC NM Best Buildings & Education Auction event, which is scheduled for May 17 at Sandia Resort and Casino, celebrating the best in construction. The event recognizes outstanding projects and the expertise of crafts in the industry.

"This new 11,312-square-foot facility is in the University's Football End Zone Club, but will be used by all Lobo athletic teams," Franken Construction said. "It's even big enough to allow more than one team to use it at a time.

"The facility more than doubled the previous athletic performance space," Franken Construction added. "The new, larger space allowed UNM Athletics to replace antiqued equipment with new free weights, squat racks, benches and a designated area for cardio. The larger facility also will let the staff use the latest technology for injury prevention and rehab. We look forward to seeing this new facility put to good use to benefit UNM Athletics."

UNM Facilities Design & Construction, a department of Institutional Support Services (ISS), played a crucial role in the development of the Champions Training Center. The department collaborates on outcomes aligned with the University's mission, enhancing the campus experience with safe, sustainable environments.

The recognition of the UNM New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center by AGC New Mexico highlights the university's commitment to excellence in construction and its dedication to providing facilities for its student-athletes.

The 11,312 sq. ft. UNM training facility, located in the South End Zone of University Stadium, supports UNM Division 1 and Olympic athletes. The facility is split into two levels; the first is a 9,774 sq. ft. weight training floor and the second is a 1,538 sq. ft. cardio mezzanine, which has views of the UNM Lobos football field.

Photo courtesy of University of New Mexico

The new facility replaces an outdated temporary facility, which was formerly housed in a large tent and did not have adequate space or systems to support athletic training.

The center is large enough to support multiple teams training at the same time and allows UNM's medical and athletic training staff to use the latest technology in injury prevention and rehabilitation. The facility is designed to provide UNM student athletes with a motivating space to train, maintain their physical health and compete at the highest level.

On game days, the Lobos enter the playing field through a ceremonial pathway incorporated into the champions training center.

UNM Athletics also was approached by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) about featuring the facility in the "Facilities Showcase" section of their March 2024 magazine.

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