CMU Chippewa Champions Center, Mt. Pleasant

With almost 20,000 students, Central Michigan University(CMU) in Mount Pleasant ranks among the best in the state of Michigan for education, student life, and especially its athletic department.

The plan to update Central Michigan University’s football facility came after the realization that the old building was outdated, small, and no longer met the needs of the current football team. In addition, the facility’s size and lack of proper amenities impacted the team’s day-to-day efficiency and ability to function as a team. It was evident that change and improvements were necessary. The new facility would more accurately match the CMU name, brand, and lifestyle and become a place to gather for athletes, students, and the community alike.

The bold new facility started as an RFP (request for proposal) in early 2017. That same year, the architectural firm GMB Architecture + Engineering teamed with Populous, which would act as design architect. Populous has a long history with facilities of this nature, so it was a perfect fit. Granger Construction Company would fill the role of general contractor and construction manager.

Construction began in the summer of 2019, and with it, the future of Central Michigan University’s campus life would change for the better. Soon, CMU’s football team would have a new home, and one that would exceed all of their expectations.

With construction underway, the football team was relocated to temporary facilities to have space for themselves and give room for the build. These temporary facilities, lovingly dubbed “trailer city,” were part of the plan to put the project on a successful path. Granger constructed the temporary facilities, which included coaching offices and planning rooms, team locker rooms, showers and restrooms, in approximately 12 weeks. This allowed work to proceed without disturbing the day-to-day operations of CMU’s football team.

Entering a Facility … and a New Era for the Chips

Visitors entering the newly constructed 50,000-square-foot Chippewa Champions Center within the Kelly/Shorts Stadium are met with a large sculpture of a stylized block letter “C” (the “Action C” as it has come to be called) in maroon and gold, CMU’s school colors. A simple addition, yet one that sets the tone for what is to come: a dynamic sense of team spirit and togetherness.

The entrance to the new Chippewa Champions Center creates a welcoming environment yet does not compromise privacy. This notion works in synchrony with the lobby within, which is an open space designed to be multi-purposed. As much as it is a space to welcome anyone who enters, the area is available for donor events and gameday activities.

CMU’s influence in the design is evident in its branding to embolden and elevate school spirit. The phrase and slogan of CMU, “Fire Up Chips,” appears strikingly on the walls to further fill the players and fans with a sense of team pride.

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