Old Dominion University is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities for student athletes that support dual goals for academic and athletic success. Part of the long-term campus master plan, the new Bernett and Blanche Mitchum Basketball Performance Center, informally known as “the Mitch,” reflects this shared focus and prepares both the men’s and women’s Division 1 NCAA basketball programs for a bright future.
Located on a small site next to the Ted Constant Convocation Center, the desired programming called for the design team to reimagine how these spaces could work together, ultimately delivering a remarkably comprehensive facility despite the tiny footprint. The Mitch features a dedicated strength and conditioning room, sports medicine suite complete with hydrotherapy pools, hydration room, film room, men’s and women’s players’ suites, office space, a main court with three cross courts, and a shooting court. Notably, the facility allots the exact same number of square feet to both the men’s and women’s programs, reflecting ODU’s emphasis on equality.
The facility’s exterior aligns with its surrounding context, with materiality reflective of the Ted, while the Monarch Way façade is reminiscent of the mixed-use storefronts of University Village. The use of glazing supports goals for transparency on the interior of the facility, bringing natural light into the corridor and coaches’ office suites. On the interior, the coaches’ offices provide direct visual connection to the practice court, promoting a collaborative environment between coaching staff and student athletes. The players’ suites offer both traditional locker room amenities as well as lounge space where players can bond over gaming consoles or focus on academics.
The Basketball Performance Center advances ODU toward its goals to attract, retain, and support the highest level of academic and athletic talent. The Clark Nexsen/AECOM team partnered on the building design, sharing a vision for an environment of transparency and collaboration. The Basketball Performance Center is designed to LEED Silver certification.