The wait is almost over. Heidelberg University is getting ready to open the doors to its new $27.4 million, fully donor-funded Student Athletics, Academics, and Recreation Center, now known as the Frann’s Fieldhouse.
The Fieldhouse grand opening dedication and ribbon cutting is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Main Street facility. The community is invited to join the Heidelberg community as we officially dedicate the long-awaited Fieldhouse.
The ceremony will include remarks from Heidelberg administrators, staff, and a student, as well as the general contractor, Marker Inc. Tours of the new space will follow the dedication ceremony.
“This dynamic facility is designed to support learning, wellness, and campus life, not only for our students but for the entire Tiffin community as well,” said Ashley Helmstetter, Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, Alumni, and Community Relations. “We invite you to be part of the celebration as we open this exciting new chapter in Heidelberg’s history.”
The dedication and ribbon cutting are part of Heidelberg’s Homecoming festivities the weekend of Oct. 3-5. In addition to the ceremony, the University will honor major donors with a special open house, luncheon, tour, and photo opportunities. The Seneca County Collaborative will also assist with the ceremony.
Frann’s Fieldhouse is in its final stage of construction activity, and excitement is building on campus. Crews are completing the finishing details — from landscaping, lighting, and flooring to the installation of equipment, furnishings, and bold new signage. With every element coming together, the facility is set to be ready in time for the highly anticipated grand opening. The Fieldhouse will officially open its doors for business on Monday, Oct. 6.
From the beginning, Heidelberg envisioned the 110,000-square-foot Fieldhouse as a place where every student — not just student-athletes – feels at home. That vision, rooted in the University’s commitment to student success, is now becoming a reality. The single largest estate gift in Heidelberg’s history helped bring this project to fruition.
“We believe Frann’s Fieldhouse will transform and energize our campus in so many meaningful ways,” said President Rob Huntington. “It will be a game-changer for Heidelberg.
“We are eager to celebrate this historic milestone alongside our campus community as well as our neighbors and friends in Tiffin,” he added.
The new fieldhouse will feature:
• three indoor basketball courts (one wood)
• a 200-meter competition-level track and field space
• a turf field for field sports and the Marching Band
• a state-of-the-art training room
• classrooms and multi-purpose meeting spaces
• leadership development and team-building space
• a lobby and food service area for events and social gatherings
• an upper-level observation deck for events and 3-sided viewing