Clarion University athletes and students have a new hub for on-campus sporting matches, fitness and recreation with the recent completion of the renovation and addition to Tippin Gymnasium. Recruiting top-notch athletic talent for their NCAA teams and delivering a better fan experience is made easier with the refreshed 155,000 square foot complex. Renovations include a new entrance; lobby and viewing gallery; complete overhaul of the basketball court and seating; natatorium renovation with a new combination swimming/diving pool; expanded areas for wrestling; new weight room; new locker rooms and restrooms and a new auxiliary gymnasium.

The project was designed by a joint venture of DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design of Pittsburgh, PA and GUND Partnership of Cambridge, MA. The project kicked off with an integrated planning phase, during which time a series of design solutions were investigated, from decommissioning and building new facilities to a series of phased renovations. To best meet the aspirational goals and fiscal responsibility of Clarion University, the team decided upon a renovation and addition to the existing building. The renovation of the circa 1968 building removes large portions of brick in favor of glass to bring natural light into the building and open up visual connections between the facility and the surrounding campus. The new gymnasium will better serve student-athletes and the entire intercollegiate athletic program, as well as create new opportunities for physical fitness, nutrition and wellness programming. The project is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council.