A New Tradition Of Excellence
Colby's 350,000-square-foot athletics center is the largest project in our history, and further evidence of how we're redefining the liberal arts experience.
About the Project
Slated to open in 2020, the Colby Athletics Center is the largest in a series of investments by Colby College into best-in-class facilities for competitive and recreational athletics.
These investments will provide access to the greater Waterville community and will become a broader regional center for sports training and competition as part of our community partnership and economic development effort.
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Welcome to the Colby Athletics Center
With abundant natural light throughout building, the welcoming entrance to the new CAC offers views into the building from campus, and visibility to campus and outdoors.
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Courtyard
A spacious courtyard and spaces devoted to wellness activities that support healthy lifestyles, such as fitness and dance studios, a yoga, and meditation areas, are central features of the new CAC.
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Squash Courts
Colby's new CAC features nine squash courts that will greatly enhance Colby’s ability to host home matches and tournaments.
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Indoor Competition Center
The new indoor track and competition center features a 200-meter indoor track with infield to serve as a multi-sport indoor practice space for tennis and lacrosse.
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Gymnasium
The new basketball arena will be named for Trustee Jim Crook ’78, P’11, a former basketball player, and Andrea Crook P’11, and will continue to honor the legacy of legendary coaches Dick Whitmore and John "Swisher" Mitchell.
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Aquatic Center
The aquatic center will feature the only 50-meter pool in the state of Maine and the only Myrtha pool, the standard for international competition, in the northeast.
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Athletic Fields
More than 100,000 square feet of natural grass surfaces for multiple uses will adjoin the new CAC, with nearby slopes serving for spectator seating or leisure space.
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Ice Arena
Our new ice arena will replace the current Alfond Ice Rink, which has served Colby well since its construction in 1955.
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Under Construction: Colby Athletics Center
Construction is coming along! These images were taken in spring 2019.
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Courtyard
The future courtyard of the Colby Athletics Center is central outdoor space about the size of Eustis Hall on campus. It is a year-round space for events, quiet reflection, yoga, outdoor seating, and other uses.
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Indoor Competition Center
A view of the indoor competition center at the new athletics center, which will be home to a six-lane, 200-meter indoor track.
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Indoor Competition Center
The indoor competition center will feature four tennis courts, indoor baseball and lacrosse practice space, plus climbing and bouldering walls. It will accommodate large events and seat approximately 580 spectators.
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Fitness Room
This is the future Boulos Family Fitness Center. At 14,000 square feet, the fitness center will have three highly visible levels and a mix of equipment available for cardio, stretching, strength training and more.
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Gymnasium
An in-process view of Colby's new gymnasium, the home court of men's and women's basketball. The gym will feature three regulation basketball courts and seating for approximately 1,200 people.
Commitment to excellence
Colby has a long tradition of athletic excellence, dating back to the 1950s and 60s when the Harold Alfond Athletic Center—then best in its class—was built. Colby’s new athletic center, slated to open in 2020, will return our facilities to national preeminence, while also serving as a resource for the campus and the community. It is one of many investments that is setting Colby apart as a leading liberal arts college.
Community partnerships
For generations, Colby has been a partner and steward of community athletics in greater Waterville and around Maine. The new center will allow Colby to invite even more teams and competitions to campus, from nearby and across New England, just as the new lighted turf baseball and softball complex has done. This activity should have a strong economic benefit for central Maine, estimated at $1 million annually.
Active, healthy lifestyles
With more than 80 percent of Colby students participating in organized athletics, and even more using the existing center for exercise and personal training, the new center signals the College’s dedication to active, healthy lifestyles for all of its students and guarantees a winning experience for both competition and lifetime fitness.
What Colby coaches are saying
“Our new pool will redefine the landscape of competitive swimming and diving in Maine and New England. We look forward to introducing some of the fastest swimmers in the country to Colby and helping the local economy.”
Tom Burton
Associate Athletic Director and
Head Swimming and Diving Coach
“The new athletic center will provide our field hockey athletes a facility to compete at the highest level. We are excited for the advancements in our weight room, training room, locker room, coaches’ offices, and team meeting spaces, all of which will help provide our athletes the best playing experience in the country.”
Kelly Terwilliger
Head Field Hockey Coach