Eastern University recently broke ground on the construction of a 50,000-square-foot gymnasium expansion.
The project will bring state-of-the-art training, recruitment, and team meeting spaces to Eastern’s NCAA Division III athletics programs, as well as bright and advanced aerobic and lifting facilities with a stunning view of Olson Field, the home of Eastern’s soccer and lacrosse teams, for all students to enjoy.
The celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for an energetic ceremony featuring remarks from university leadership and three student-athletes who shared how the facility will shape the future of Eastern athletics. The pep band and cheer and dance teams, joined by Eastern’s mascot Beaker, kept the crowd energized throughout the event and helped conclude the celebration with a festive confetti pop.
Upon completion, the expanded athletics complex will include:
- Additional fitness center
- Athletic training and recovery spaces
- Team locker rooms and meeting rooms
- A dedicated recruiting suite and hospitality area
- Offices for coaches and athletics administration
- Team room with a large screen for reviewing film
- Dedicated dance and wrestling practice spaces
- Showcases for university excellence and awards in athletics
- A welcoming two-story athletics lobby and atrium honoring the legacy of Eastern athletics
“We’re incredibly proud of our student-athletes, who consistently inspire us with the dedication and hard work they demonstrate during competition and in the classroom,” said Athletic Director Brian Bingaman. “These new training and team spaces will allow them to train, compete, learn, and grow at an even higher level, marking an exciting new chapter for Eastern athletics.”
Originally built in 1958, Eastern’s gym has faithfully served the university community for decades. During that time, the number of student-athletes has grown from approximately 300 to nearly 800 today, while overall enrollment has nearly tripled in the past six years, approaching 10,000 students. The expansion will ensure the facility continues to meet the needs of the entire growing campus community.
“This project is about more than athletics,” said Eastern President Ronald Matthews. “With God’s guidance and provision, the new and improved space will serve as a hub for the entire campus community to prioritize health and wellness, fostering beneficial habits, stronger connections, and a vibrant campus life for everyone for decades to come.”
This groundbreaking comes on the heels of another major announcement: a property acquisition from Valley Forge Military College. The recent 33.3-acre purchase includes the football stadium, track, and athletic fieldhouse that Eastern has been leasing from VFMC since 2021. The property also includes several apartment buildings, along with additional fields, buildings, and pickleball courts.
“This is an exciting time for Eastern University students and fans,” said Michael Fedor, Vice President for Advancement. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the gymnasium’s transformative project with their time, treasure, and talent. Thanks to the generosity of those supporters, along with God’s providence, we are turning this vision into a reality — creating a space that will enrich the lives of students, faculty, staff, and the wider campus community for years to come.”
During the 18-month construction project, University Advancement staff will be working to secure naming rights for many of the additions’ marquee spaces. To inquire about naming and partnership opportunities, email [email protected] or call 610-341-5932.
Learn more about the expansion project at Eastern University.
