Consigli breaks ground on 97,250 s/f athletics facility for Colgate University
Hamilton, NY Colgate University officially ushered in a new era for its campus community, breaking ground on the Carey Center — a transformative 97,250 s/f athletics facility that will serve as the new cornerstone of Colgate University’s Division I athletics program.
The naming of the new facility recognizes a leadership gift from Chase Carey ‘76; his wife, Wendy; and their children, Steve ‘12 and Tara ‘13. This project is also supported by significant philanthropic investments from several additional donors, including Steve Errico ‘85 and his family.
Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects in partnership with Grace Design Studios, the Carey Center will centralize athletic functions that are currently dispersed across campus, creating a high-performance hub for all 25 Division I teams. Consigli Construction Co., Inc. serves as general contractor.
Preliminary construction has begun; to make way for the project, the University’s buildings and grounds operations are being relocated to a new facility on Randallsville Rd., clearing the site for the massive construction effort now underway. Strategic management by architects and construction crews will ensure that the Carey Center will be complete by the fall semester of 2028.
“I truly wish to thank the Carey family, the Cronin family, the Errico family, and all those who have supported the creation of the Carey Center with Cronin Court, and Errico Arena,” said president Brian Casey. “The tradition of having our student athletes not only competing at the highest level of competition but with excellent facilities is only possible because of our generous alumni and friends.”
Key features of the 97,250 s/f athletics facility include:
• Errico Family Arena: A 1,650-seat performance venue for basketball and volleyball featuring a center-hung video board and broadcast capabilities, and home to Cronin Court
• Expanded Training Spaces: A new strength and conditioning center that is 75% larger than current facilities in Huntington Gymnasium
• Football Operations: A dedicated western wing for the football program, including locker rooms and meeting spaces that will be unique within the Patriot League
• Integrated Sports Medicine: A centralized space for sports medicine and nutrition to improve efficiency for student-athletes
“Our new athletics plan outlines a series of strategic priorities for Colgate athletics,” said vice president and director of athletics Yariv Amir. “One is to provide our student-athletes with a stage on which they can achieve their full potential. The Carey Center will push Colgate ahead even further, which will impact the other commitments in our plan: to attract outstanding student-athletes and provide a Division I experience for all Colgate students.”
“The Carey Center represents a bold, transformative vision for the future of Colgate University and the student-athletes who call its campus home, and Consigli is thrilled to be part of the team bringing this impactful project to life,” said Michael Wood, project executive at Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “We look forward to our continued work together to deliver this new, state-of-the-art facility and equip the Colgate athletics community with the resources and environment necessary to grow, develop and succeed.”
Recently, the University announced $105 million in new gifts to the Campaign for the Third Century, support dedicated to the renovation and expansion of the campus community along Broad Street, just steps from where the new Carey Center will sit. Strengthening the student experience and developing the campus are key priorities with the University’s Third-Century Plan.
“Colgate athletics create a unique bond and pride that unites students, alumni, faculty, and the broader community,” Carey said during the ceremony. “Some of Colgate’s greatest memories stem from supporting teams competing for championships. Our student-athletes deserve facilities and resources that match that high standard.”