Davis Fitness Center
Underhill Arena, home of Davis Fitness Center, was transformed into the college’s COVID-19 Testing Center during 2020–21, necessitating the move of fitness center to Merrill Gym on a temporary basis.
”This gave us a golden opportunity to plan for significant upgrades to Davis,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Recreation Scott Lehmann.
Upgrades include new performance racks, weights, selectorized machines, plate-loaded machines, and cardio equipment. A new equipment layout will make the space more functional, comfortable and user-focused. A new floor and updated branding will complete the new look for students returning in August.
"We're very excited about the updates,” said Mike Seltzer, Bates head strength and conditioning coach. “The new layout and new equipment will greatly improve our ability to provide a highly competitive strength and conditioning experience for our student athletes."
The physical upgrades are matched by Bates Athletics’ commitment to ensuring an inclusive and accessible fitness environment for all students.
“We have received positive and constructive feedback from students over the past few years and believe that our students will be excited by what they see and experience in this very important Bates space,” said Lehmann.
Some new and upgraded technology and furniture, as well as branding for the space, will round out the renovation.
Merrill Gym will also see the addition of 20 new pieces of cardio equipment including ellipticals, Assault Fitness AirRunners, and recumbent and upright bikes.
Underhill Arena Locker Rooms
The locker rooms for football and women’s and men’s lacrosse will receive a makeover this summer thanks to a generous gift in memory of Taylor F. Clark P ’13, P ’19, P ’21 by the Clark family.
“We very much appreciate the Clark family’s partnership in helping Bates Athletics ensure that our teams have spaces that foster a positive team culture and pride and enhance the student-athlete and recruiting experience,” said Fein.
The project will create open, comfortable spaces for student-athletes to prepare for practices and competitions in a more functional, modern aesthetic.
“Community is built in many places at Bates,” said head football coach Malik Hall. “Now student-athletes will be able to enjoy community and camaraderie in our new locker room.”
The renovation will feature:
- New Mondo flooring throughout the space, including the hallway, visitors’ locker room, and the adjacent sports medicine facility.
- New wooden lockers from Legends Lockers.
- Reimagined layout promoting more team interaction and offering more social space while retaining current player capacity.
- Technology improvements including flat screen TVs, a new sound system, and device charging stations.
“Our students and coaches are very excited about the upcoming locker room renovations,” said head men’s lacrosse coach Peter Lasagna. “A locker room is where you should feel pride, positivity, and camaraderie. It’s a place where students should look forward to being together. This renovation helps build pride, improves function, and makes a statement of commitment to our program by the generous donors.”
"The locker room renovation solidifies the commitment of the Clark family and Bates to the social and physical development of the student-athletes in our program,” said head women’s lacrosse coach Brett Allen. “The values of our team culture are reinforced daily during the time the team spends together in a shared social space. Being in a space that will cement that commitment and our team values is critical to the athletic experience and any future successes we achieve. Thank you!"
