The University of Pittsburgh’s $240 million Victory Heights sports complex is on schedule to host commencement ceremonies this week and athletic competition in the fall, officials said Monday.
The facility, originally announced in January 2020, hosts dedicated practice facilities and locker rooms for Pitt gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling and spirit squads. Teams moved into the facility a few weeks ago, said Dustin Gray, deputy athletic director.
“This gives them a competitive edge over a lot of our peers,” Gray said of the facility. “This gives them a training environment that’s unparalleled to most of their competitors.”
For Pitt cheer and dance teams, the dedicated home inside Victory Heights is the first time in program history they have had such a space.
Victory Heights, which neighbors the Petersen Events Center, is one connected structure with two buildings. The Victory Heights Arena can seat more than 3,600 people depending on configuration. Wrestling matches can accommodate more than 3,400, volleyball 2,700 and gymnastics 2,500; the full capacity of 3,600 can be arranged for center stage concert.
Its sports performance center will support 16 of Pitt’s teams. The other three — men’s and women’s basketball, and football — have other facilities.
The more than 21,000-square-foot Martchek Family Strength and Conditioning Center features weight and cardio equipment, indoor and outdoor turf and a dedicated space to sports science.
A sports medicine and nutrition section has hydrotherapy and rehabilitation pools, sports medicine and treatment and nutrition consulting space.
Victory Heights pays tribute to Pitt history with an artistic replica of Varsity Walk. While the actual Varsity Walk is located between the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel, the Victory Heights varsity walk wall display replicates the names and accomplishments of student-athletes honored with the Blue-Gold Award and Panther Award.
The new arena and practice facilities will replace Fitzgerald Field House. Future plans for Fitzgerald are still being determined.
Victory Heights facilities are for student-athlete use only. For the general student body, Pitt opened the new Recreation and Wellness Center last fall, a $240 million facility.
For Victory Heights, coaches were “heavily involved” in the planning and development, Gray said.
“From the beginning, we said, ‘What do you want, what should it look like, how should we do it?’ ” Gray said. “Coach feedback is instrumental in what you see today.”
One feature of the practice facilities are cameras that can record plays during practices. Coaches can use an iPad to pull up the footage and provide feedback in real time.
Volleyball coach Dan Fisher — who’s led Pitt to five consecutive appearances to the NCAA Final Four — hopes the new arena can produce a streak of sellout crowds. It’s also assisted with recruiting, he said.
“We are confident that this is going to be the best gym in the country,” he said. “It turned out better than we could have ever imagined. We’re thrilled to finally be in here.”