Wingate University, McGee Center

The McGee Center anchors Wingate University's campus in Wingate, North Carolina. This new recreation and athletics building replaced the Sikes Gym and wraps the Cuddy Arena to create a central complex. The entrance aligns with the main campus entry, establishing a prominent presence as the campus grows toward a new bypass highway.

Project Development

This project began as a study of the Cannon Athletic Complex, which initially considered an aquatics center addition. Analysis led to addressing recreation and athletic needs in phase one, with aquatics planned for a future phase. The McGee Center meets the university's growing recreational and athletic demands while enriching campus life.

Usage and Impact

Since opening, the center has dramatically increased campus engagement, with annual visits rising from 35,000 to over 112,000—a 300 percent increase. Both students and employees use the facility more frequently, drawn by its varied health, wellness, and social interaction opportunities.

Facilities and Programming

The expansion from 8,000 to 68,000 square feet includes free-play gyms, a multi-activity court, indoor running track, exercise and aerobic rooms, weight room, racquetball courts, and locker rooms. Programs include indoor soccer, stationary cycling, and functional training, with expanded personal training services. The facility maintains open recreation hours throughout the day.

Campus Events

The McGee Center hosts various campus events, from new student check-in to college admission fairs, university luncheons, and community activities like wheelchair basketball with the Charlotte Rolling Hornets.

Design Features

The athletic administrative addition features a training room and coaches' offices that enhanced Cuddy Arena's appearance while softening its two-story windowless volume. A new two-story lobby connects these spaces.

Technology

The center provides Wi-Fi throughout, Bluetooth-enabled fitness studios, and cardio machines with ethernet and cable TV access. Light sensors help reduce electricity use.

Staffing

The expansion required additional staff, including a new Assistant Director for Facilities position and an increase to 40 student staff members, who gain operational experience for their future careers.