Barnhill Arena and the Bev Lewis Center: Home of the Razorbacks
| Barnhill Arena and the Bev Lewis Center: Homes of the RazorbacksThe Lewis Center || Barnhill || Lewis Center Razorback Training and Weight Room || Locker Room | |
| Having some of the best facilities in the nation has always been one of the goals the University of Arkansas, and there was no disappointment when gymnastics was added in 2003. Construction of the 40,000-square foot Bev Lewis Center for Women’s Athletics was completed just after the start of the 2003 season and the Razorbacks moved right in. The building features a 14,000-plus square foot gymnastics-only practice facility complete will state-of-the-art equipment. In addition the building is home to several administrative and coaching offices as well as a 7,000-plus square foot women’s-only weight room. The Lewis Center has received awards from two state architecture organizations for excellence in design. Both of the Lewis Center’s architectural firms, Indianapolis-based Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf and Little Rock-based Fennell Purifoy Hammock Architects, were honored by their respective state American Institute of Architects conventions. Phil Purifoy received the Arkansas chapter of AIA’s Honor Award for design excellence. John Dierdorf and John Lindstaedt of BDMD received the same award from the Indiana chapter. The awards are presented by the state chapters for outstanding architecture, and are selected by a juried panel of distinguished architects. The construction of the facility was not the only change that took place when Arkansas added gymnastics. Barnhill Arena saw significant changes as well as it prepared to welcome the Razorbacks’ newest team. The arena floor was resurfaced, new lights, seating and sound systems were installed and a coat of paint brightened the facility. | |
