North Andover, MA – Construction is underway for the expansion of the Volpe Athletic Center on the campus of Merrimack College. Pro Con Inc of Manchester, New Hampshire is the architect and construction manager for the project that will include a new home for the College’s sports medicine program as well the development of a new ice rink.
The construction project will expand the Volpe Athletic Center by approximately 83,000 square feet and will allow the College to relocate and enhance the facilities that support the Athletic and Sports Medicine programs, while also relocating the campus bookstore and student health services in order to better serve student needs.
The addition of a second ice rink will position Merrimack College as a premier hockey center, allowing for teams at the youth, college and semi-pro level to compete at the highest levels. The expansion also includes enhanced spectator spaces such a new lobby, concession facilities, pro shop, and additional luxury boxes.
With Sports Medicine and Athletic Training among the fastest growing programs at Merrimack College, the Center for Sports Medicine will measure over 5,000 square feet and consist of several teaching laboratories outfitted with the very latest human performance and athletic training equipment, new classroom space, team locker and shower rooms, a weight facility and new offices.
Merrimack College offers programs in health science, sports medicine and athletic training. These programs prepare students for a wide variety of careers including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Students combine classroom work with internships and practicum courses to gain clinical experience.
Pro Con Inc began construction for the project in September 2012 and has scheduled a late summer 2013 completion date.
Merrimack College’s ice arena expansion project is one of several ice arenas Pro Con Inc has managed including the 68,200-sf Watson Arena on the campus of Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine, a 65,000-sf ice arena complex at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire and a 59,000-sf ice arena at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA.