The field hockey project would create a new operations building next to Grant Field, giving one of Iowa’s most successful programs a dedicated home for team activities. The project carries an estimated budget of $8.65 million and would be paid for entirely through donor support.
If approved, construction on the field hockey building is expected to begin this summer, with completion targeted for summer 2027.
“This operations building will be truly transformational for Iowa field hockey and the future of our program,” Iowa field hockey coach Lisa Cellucci said. “It represents far more than just a facility; it is an investment in our student-athletes, our championship culture, and the continued pursuit of excellence that has defined Iowa field hockey for five decades on the national stage.”
The proposed facility would include home, visitor and staff locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a film room, conference room, multi-purpose space, athletic training room, lobby, mudroom and dedicated storage. University officials said the goal is to bring training, competition support and team spaces together in one location.
Iowa field hockey has long been one of the most decorated programs in the Big Ten. Since 1981, the Hawkeyes have won 211 conference games and have recorded a Big Ten-best 30 NCAA Tournament wins in 30 NCAA Tournament appearances. The program has advanced to 29 Sweet Sixteens, 21 Elite Eights and 12 Final Fours. Iowa won the 1986 NCAA championship, becoming the first Midwestern program to win a national title in the sport.
The Hawkeyes have also produced 107 All-Americans, 16 Big Ten regular-season championships and six Big Ten Tournament titles.
Beth Goetz, Iowa’s director of athletics, said the project is meant to strengthen both the field hockey program and the student-athlete experience.
“By bringing training, competition, and team spaces together in one location, we are creating an environment that supports excellence, fosters team culture, and positions our program for sustained success in the Big Ten and beyond,” Goetz said.
Cellucci said having a permanent home at Grant Field would also honor the generations of women who helped build Iowa field hockey into a national power.
“This building will stand as a tribute to their legacy and ensures that future Hawkeyes will continue to build on the championship standard they created,” Cellucci said.
The proposed building would also include energy-efficiency features, including lighting integrated with daylighting, occupancy sensors in office spaces, roof overhangs and window treatments intended to reduce heat and glare. The field hockey team would continue practicing and competing at Grant Field during construction.
The University of Iowa is also seeking approval to continue planning a major renovation of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the longtime home of Iowa basketball, wrestling and gymnastics.
Carver-Hawkeye Arena opened in 1983 and has hosted Hawkeye athletics, commencement ceremonies and major campus and community events for more than four decades.
The proposed renovation is estimated to cost between $50 million and $70 million and would be funded entirely through private gifts. University officials said the project would likely be completed in carefully sequenced phases over as many as two years to reduce disruption during athletic seasons and major events.
Planned improvements include additional premium seating options and club space, upgrades to the concourse, concessions, restrooms and seating bowl, and a major focus on accessibility, fan comfort and game-day atmosphere.
The potential renovation would build on recent Carver-Hawkeye upgrades, including student section risers and a new court, which university officials say have already helped add energy to the arena.
“This initiative began with a feasibility study in 2023, and due to the incredible success of our silent leadership fundraising campaign, we are prepared to take this exciting next step,” Goetz said. “Recent improvements like the student section risers and new court have shown what’s possible. These renovations will take that next step — making events more exciting, more comfortable, and ensuring we preserve the intimidating atmosphere that helps our teams compete at the highest level.”
The project could result in a modest reduction from Carver-Hawkeye Arena’s current seating capacity of 14,995. However, university officials said the redesigned arena would offer a broader range of seating, viewing and premium experiences reflecting how fans attend live events today.
Together, the two projects represent a donor-funded push to modernize major Iowa athletics facilities while preserving the tradition and competitive identity tied to Grant Field and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.