Every day looks a little different at Frann’s Fieldhouse.
Just three months after opening, the Fieldhouse has quickly become one of the most active and dynamic spaces on campus, hosting major athletics events, supporting daily practices and classes, welcoming intramural competition, and opening its doors to the broader community. And according to Brody Naugle, Coordinator of Recreation & Athletic Facilities, it’s only the beginning.
A home for competition
In a short amount of time, Frann’s Fieldhouse has already welcomed approximately 2,000 guests for a collegiate, high school, and middle school wrestling invitational. The calendar has also been filled with softball camps and tournaments, along with large indoor track and field meets drawing college and high school competitors from across the region.
The momentum continues to build as Heidelberg prepares to host the Ohio Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships at the end of February — marking the first time the University has had the capability to host the event.
In addition to major meets, the Fieldhouse has become a regional hub for track and field development. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7–9 p.m., the facility opens its doors to high school athletes and coaches.
“It’s basically like open gym where they can come and work on their skills or their event,” Brody said. “We’ve had a great turnout, including some club teams who have been coming.”
A home for students and recreation
Frann’s Fieldhouse has also quickly established itself as the go-to space for intramurals and recreational activity. Basketball intramurals recently kicked off with eight teams, and plans are underway to introduce recreational flag football and futsal — a fast-paced hybrid of soccer and football.
Student groups are increasingly making the Fieldhouse their own, reserving space for activities like pickleball and group recreation. “As time has gone by, they’ve gotten more comfortable with how to access the various aspects of the facility,” Brody said.
Behind the scenes, athletics teams regularly utilize the team meeting room, weight room, and shared practice spaces. One of the most rewarding aspects for Brody has been watching teams from different sports organically share the turf field and training areas.
“Sometimes the first year of a facility can be a little clunky,” he said. “But the coaches have been working together really well, even when they have to adjust on the fly. At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team — and that’s something I didn’t necessarily expect.”
Learning in a new environment
This semester also marked the first academic classes held in Frann’s Fieldhouse. Students in the Exercise Science program, led by Dr. Morgan Kocher, have taken advantage of the team meeting room, conference space, and weight room for hands-on learning.
Brody has even stepped into the classroom himself, assisting with pickleball, softball, and soccer coaching courses—another example of how the Fieldhouse is supporting learning beyond traditional walls.
Community gathering place, campus event space
Beyond campus, the Fieldhouse has become a welcoming space for the wider community. Weekdays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., the indoor track is reserved for community walkers, many of whom have become familiar faces.
“It’s been huge,” Brody said. “Good conversation and communication have created a really friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back.”
Large events are also made more convenient by The Pulse, the on-site snack and beverage area. Guests appreciate being able to stay in the facility for the duration of events, and it’s quickly become a favorite stop for students as well.
In February, Heidelberg’s Board of Trustees will utilize the facility for its winter meetings and the Athletic Hall of Fame will host its 2026 induction ceremony there too. The ’26 class will be the largest in four decades. At that ceremony, the Fieldhouse will become home to a new Hall of Fame display.
First impressions and what’s next
One of Brody’s favorite moments comes when people see the Fieldhouse for the first time.
“It’s fun to see the ‘wow’ reactions — especially from guests and alumni,” he said. “Alumni have come by to check out the facility, and those have been really cool moments. They love the space and are genuinely happy that Heidelberg finally has the facility they’ve heard so much about for so long.”
As usage continues to grow, Brody and his team are focused on refining the experience — improving parking, signage, and accessibility, and gathering feedback after every event.
“We try to get feedback from every event to figure out what we can do better,” he said.
For Brody, though, the most rewarding part has been the people.
“For me personally, it’s been heartwarming to build connections with the students,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the relationships.”
Three months in, Frann’s Fieldhouse isn’t just a new building. It’s a living, breathing space where athletics, recreation, learning, and community intersect every day.