Power of Place

The University of Guelph’s state-of-the-art Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre (GGAC) received a prestigious international honour this year. The centre, which opened in June 2017, was recognized with a ‘Facilities of Merit’ award by Athletic Business, a multimedia magazine dedicated to the sports industry.

The annual awards honour sporting facilities based on characteristics including plan efficiency, interior and exterior design, and optimal use of space.

“The submissions reflect the pinnacle of achievement in fitness, recreation and athletics architecture, with winning facilities ranging from a recreational centre in Lincoln, Nebraska, to a high-end aquatics facility in Tokyo,” said Andy Berg, the magazine’s executive editor.

8,000 square feet of social space including new student and VIP lounge

Berg said the judges praised the centre’s attributes, including its use of interior colour to create a sense of circulation and individual movement, and its comforting ambience within sophisticated floor plans and complex forms and spaces.

22,000 sqft fitness centre Housed on two floors and contains a full range of fitness equipment

One judge called the GGAC a well-executed facility at all levels, citing exceptional integration of interior and exterior, as well as its branding and vision for athletics and wellness.

Scott McRoberts, U of G director of athletics, said the award recognizes the dedication and hard work of an exceptional group of stakeholders that included campus staff and students.

2,200 seat event centre Features one of the only 4-sided video boards at a University in the entire country

“This building was built by the students, from both a financial perspective and from the important input they had in the building’s design and functionality,”McRoberts said. “This doesn’t happen without them. We had full-time staff and students who dedicated their heart and soul to making this building and the programming spectacular. This award provides external recognition to these folks.”

Read about the Facilties of Merit Award online by visiting > gryphons.ca/GGACMerit