Athletics Center Renovation

A New Era Begins

NEC Celebrates Opening of Revitalized Athletics Center

A defining chapter in New England College’s campus evolution has officially come to life. On April 2, the NEC community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the newly transformed Athletics Center, marking the completion of a project that reimagines Bridges Gymnasium as a modern hub for athletics, wellness, and campus connection.

What began as an ambitious, multi-phase renovation has culminated in a state-of-the-art facility that reflects NEC’s commitment to student success both on and off the field. The project’s completion represents not just the end of construction, but the beginning of a new era for student-athletes and the broader campus community.

The revitalized Athletics Center showcases a seamless blend of updated infrastructure and expanded spaces. Inside, the facility now features a significantly enhanced Strength Lab, a campus-wide fitness center, updated locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and a comprehensive sports medicine suite, all designed to support peak performance and overall well-being.

The transformation is equally striking from the outside. A redesigned façade, new entryway, and welcoming front patio with granite seating create an inviting presence at the heart of campus.

The addition of an ADA-accessible entrance, including a ramp and front stairway, ensures the facility is fully inclusive and accessible to all.

Building on the success of earlier upgrades, such as the resurfaced turf field and initial Strength Lab improvements completed in 2024, the finished Athletics Center now stands as a cornerstone of campus life. With a large portion of NEC students participating in athletics or recreational  fitness, the space is designed to serve not only varsity teams but the entire student body.

The April 2 opening celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff to mark the occasion, offering a first look at a facility that will shape the NEC experience for years to come. The energy of the event reflected the significance of the moment: a shared investment realized and a bold vision fulfilled.

Now fully open, the Athletics Center is more than a building; it is a dynamic gathering place where competition, wellness, and community intersect. For alumni returning to campus, it stands as a powerful symbol of NEC’s continued growth and its enduring commitment to providing an exceptional student experience.

Follow the construction process below.

A Game-Changer for New England College

Excitement is building at New England College (NEC) as construction plans emerge for the second phase of a cutting-edge Athletics Center that will transform campus life and raise the bar for NCAA Division III athletics. This visionary project underscores NEC’s commitment to providing a dynamic, innovative environment for its students—46% of whom participate in varsity sports, a number that climbs to 50% when including club athletes.

Here’s What’s Happening Now

• Interior Finishing Continues: Tile installation is progressing in the bathrooms, and flooring and ceiling systems are now being placed in several areas. These steps mark the transition from major construction to focused interior work.
• Entryway Patio and Exterior Elements Emerge: The new front patio, including the granite benches, sits ready beneath the first of our winter snow. Exterior enhancements will resume as weather permits, further shaping the facility’s main entrance.
• Take a Look: Be sure to scroll past the previous updates below for images of the project in progress!

Here’s What You Missed

Update #10

• Systems Going In: Contractors are hard at work installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems throughout the building—much of it behind the walls and ceilings in mechanical spaces that will support the facility for decades to come.
• Drywall Installation Begins: With drywall now going up, the interior spaces are starting to take shape and look more like the finished facility.
• Lobby Progress: Ceiling work in the main lobby is well underway, offering the first real glimpse at what this prominent space will look like when completed.

Update #9

• Exterior Brickwork Underway: Brick installation is 90% complete on the north side and has begun on the front of the building. The full exterior is progressing quickly.
• Sheathing Complete: Exterior wall sheathing is finished, a major step toward enclosing the structure before cold weather sets in.
• Roof Integration: The new roof has been tied into the original gym, with flashing in place and the roofing now weather-tight.

Update #8

• ADA Ramp and Entry: The new ADA-accessible ramp and front stairway are taking shape, enhancing accessibility and campus connection.
• Interior Framing and Utilities: Wall framing in the lower level—home to future locker rooms—is 90% complete. Utility installation has also begun.
• Basement Renovation Progress: Tile installation is complete, partitions are in place, and the new sewer pump is fully operational.

Update # 7

• Exterior Progress: Installation of the additional wall and roof framing is nearly complete, giving the building its full shape and presence on campus.
• Roofing Underway: Crews are actively working on the east side roof, marking another significant step toward sealing the structure before the fall weather arrives.
• Interior Updates: The renovation of the basement is progressing, with new tile installation now complete and ready for the next phase of finishing.

Update # 6

• Concrete Deck Complete: The first-floor concrete deck is in place, giving structure to what will soon be NEC’s expanded home for athletics.
• Basement Prepped: The basement level is fully prepped for its concrete pour, laying the groundwork for key interior spaces.
• Interior Finishes Begin: Ceilings and wall painting are underway in the basement, marking the start of the interior transformation.
• Training Room Progress: Flooring is being installed in the training room—one of the centerpieces of athlete care and recovery.
• Up Next: Basement floor painting begins in about a week and a half.

Update #5

• Steel Frame Going Up: The shape of the new facility is taking form as the steel structure rises from the foundation. You can now clearly see the outline of some of what will become the expanded and enhanced home of NEC Athletics.
• Crane on Site: A towering crane has arrived and is actively placing structural steel, making it one of the most visible signs of progress and momentum. It can be seen rising above the treeline from many places in town.
• Materials Rolling In: Steel beams and other materials are staged and ready, keeping the project on track and moving forward at full speed.

Update #4

• Underground Plumbing Complete: All below-ground plumbing work is finished, laying the groundwork for the locker rooms, restrooms, and training facilities to function efficiently from day one.
• Training Room Walls Installed: Interior walls are now in place in the new training room, giving shape to the space where student-athletes will recover, recharge, and get game-day ready.
• Electrical Work Begins in the Addition: Electricians have started wiring the new addition, bringing power to future offices, equipment rooms, and locker spaces. The building is starting to come alive from the inside out.

Update #3

• Lower Level Demo Complete: Demolition is officially finished on the gym’s lower level. With the old structures cleared out, the space is now ready for transformation.
• Utility Work Underway: Crews are actively installing and upgrading utilities in the lower level. Systems are being put in place to power the future of this facility.
• Underground Plumbing in Progress: Work is underway below ground to lay the plumbing infrastructure. These essential systems will support locker rooms, restrooms, and more once the building is complete.

Update #2

• Eastside Foundation Complete: Concrete work is finished on the east side, providing a solid base for what’s to come. It’s the first fully realized section of the building’s foundation—progress you can stand on!
• Northside Foundation Progressing: Construction crews are hard at work pouring and shaping the foundation on the north side. This area will soon support vital new spaces, including offices and athletic facilities.
• Lower Level Demolition 75% Complete: Interior demo on the lower level is well underway, with most of the old infrastructure removed. The space is being prepped for a complete transformation.
• Lower Level to House Key Facilities: This floor will soon feature modern locker rooms, an upgraded training room, a fully equipped equipment space, and offices—all designed to support our student-athletes and our community from the ground up.

Update #1

• Foundation Walls Going In: Concrete walls are being poured to form the strong base that will support the entire structure. It’s the start of something big!
• Footprint Taking Shape: The building’s outline is becoming visible, giving us the first real glimpse of the future.
• Northside Excavation Underway: Digging has begun to make room for the offices. The expansion is officially moving outward.
• Training Room Cleared Out: The existing training room has been emptied, making way for interior renovations that will modernize and upgrade this key space.