25 May GEAUXING FOR THE PURPLE AND GOLD: LSU Gymnastics Team Gets a New Training Facility

Finishing with a record breaking season it is safe to say that team work is truly making the dream work for the LSU gymnastics team. Claiming second place overall in the NCAA Super Six and the BASF Team Chemistry Award this outstanding group of athletes is proving that through hard work, rigorous training and respect for your fellow teammates you can make success a reality.  Recognizing that space enhances performance LSU presented the LSU Tiger Gymnastics Program with a brand new and state-of-the-art training facility.

In February of this year GraceHebert architects worked to create a beautiful 42,000 square foot facility. The building fits seamlessly into LSU’s campus and is located just north of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The facility showcases a sleek curvilinear façade and those iconic LSU arches. Inside the facility features a 18,000 square foot practice space complete with 4 competition style balance beams, 4 uneven bars, 3 vaulted runways with various surfaces for landing and an oversized exercise floor in the gym area to help ensure safe and effective training.

To help promote teamwork off the mat the new facility is equipped with multiple chic communal spaces. Within these spaces the designers highlighted the teams spirit with a furniture selection that revolves around the classic LSU colors of purple and gold. The training facility includes stylish new team and coaches’ locker rooms with individual stations, a squad room for video review with theater style seating, a conference room, a multi-purpose room and even a terrace complete with relaxed lounge seating.

The designers teamed with AOS to tap in to multiple furniture lines to optimize the functionality and style of the unique functionality space. For the conference room the Zag Moves Conference Chair from Source International was a perfect fit. The sleek wooden back allows for comfort and custom engraving so the LSU spirit in the space can shine through. For more casual seating throughout the facility Arcadia, a company based out of southern California was able to supply lounge chairs from their Ovate and Archella collections. The upholstered frames atop wooden and metal bases nicely display the clean lines and fluid contours of these pieces. The terrace utilized furniture from Frontgate’s Madiera Outdoor Lounge collection. Made of high quality resin wicker this all-weather weave is able to handle the harsh Louisiana elements beautifully. Water flows through the concealed foam cushion and perforated aluminum frame for quick-dry convenience and ultimate comfort. These lines combined with many others came together to and work harmoniously to craft this elegant and hardworking new environment.

The LSU Athletics Director and LSU Vice Chancellor Joe Alleva stated at the grand opening, “This facility is all about excellence, and this gymnastics program represents excellence.” Outfitted with a wonderful new training facility and living off the high of a record breaking season the LSU Gymnastics team is set for success for the upcoming year. To be able to work with talented architects, contractors and designers to create an amazing structure such as this makes us proud we are Loving Purple and Living Gold!