2021 Rutgers Making a Champion Guide

In 2014, Rutgers University gained national exposure as the newest member of the premier Big Ten Conference. The RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center (APC), which opened in September 2019, demonstrates the university’s commitment to creating a championship culture and supporting student-athletes of the highest caliber. The APC creates a destination on campus that transforms the student- athlete experience and embodies Rutgers Athletics’ unique character and tradition. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 307,000 SF, four-story APC is the new home for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Gymnastics, and Men’s Wrestling programs at Rutgers. The building supports student-athletes with: sports medicine, hydrotherapy, strength and conditioning, a Nutrition Center and Training Table programming, a * Refer to Appendix A to learn more about the research study’s methodology. Appendix B lists data from the survey, and Appendix C shares archival data findings. dedicated RWJBarnabas Health facility, NBA and WNBA scouting decks, a “Closing Room,” coaches’ and athletic directors’ offices, a rooftop terrace, and a parking garage connected by a central courtyard. This report highlights the findings from a post-occupancy evaluation research study * that was conducted in 2020 on the APC. The goal of the study was to understand the use of the facility and the impact of the design on the institution, athletics program, and building occupants (i.e., staff and student-athletes). The study focused on several key design goals, including the use of the facility and its impact on occupant performance, wellness, and experience. Key findings, presented herein, center on how the building fosters a sense of community and campus connections, improves performance, supports recruiting and fundraising, and offers flexibility—even during a pandemic. Recent collegiate athletic training centers typically have focused on a programmatic compilation of practice courts, locker room amenities, and athletic support programming. However, a new way to promote elite student-athlete performance, practice, and recovery has emerged at Rutgers University. I N T R O D U C T I O N The RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center at Rutgers University represents a new way to support student-athletes’ performance, wellness, and experience. 2 RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center Perkins Eastman