Gordon Fieldhouse Reopens: A Multisport Hub Revitalized by Ferguson Family Generosity

Since its opening in 2002, the Gordon Fieldhouse and Arena has been one of OWU’s most versatile athletic spaces. Named for Richard Gordon ‘62, the Fieldhouse has hosted everything from indoor track meets to baseball, softball, and tennis practices, as well as general student recreation. For OWU athletes, it is a year-round training ground. For the wider campus, it is a place to stay active, connect, and celebrate Bishop spirit.

By 2025, however, the facility needed renewal. Floors, surfaces, and equipment had endured decades of heavy use. Thanks to a generous gift from the Ferguson family, the Fieldhouse has now been given “new life,” reopening with upgrades that ensure it remains a premier space for athletics and student life.

The renovations were comprehensive, designed to serve both varsity athletes and the broader student body:

▪ Indoor Track: A resurfaced track improves safety and performance, allowing OWU to

continue hosting competitive indoor meets.

▪ Baseball & Softball: New surface and existing netting provide year-round practice space, regardless of Ohio’s unpredictable weather.

▪ Tennis: Updated indoor courts give OWU’s tennis programs a reliable training

environment.

▪ General Fitness: Expanded cardio and strength equipment make the Fieldhouse a

destination for all students, not just athletes.

▪ Lighting & Infrastructure: Modernized systems enhance both practice conditions and

event atmosphere.

“It feels like a completely new facility,” said one OWU junior. “I use the Fieldhouse for workouts, and the upgrades make it so much more inviting. It is clear the university wanted this to be a space for everyone.”

The Fieldhouse’s reopening has already impacted OWU athletics. Track & field athletes benefit from the new surface, while baseball and softball players enjoy year-round practice areas. Tennis athletes now have improved indoor courts, ensuring consistent training.

Coaches note that the renovations also strengthen recruiting.

“When prospective athletes see the Fieldhouse now, they see a program that’s serious about excellence,” said one coach. “Facilities matter, and this shows OWU is committed.”

While varsity sports are central, Gordon Fieldhouse remains a community hub:

▪ Intramural sports thrive inside its walls.

▪ Student organizations use the facility for events and fundraisers.

▪ Alumni gatherings often take place there, connecting past and present Bishops.

Admissions ambassadors highlight the Fieldhouse on tours, pointing to it as evidence of OWU’s investment in student life. For prospective students, seeing a modern, vibrant facility reinforces the idea that OWU is a place where academics and extracurriculars are equally valued.

The reopening of Gordon Fieldhouse is part of a broader wave of campus renewal, alongside projects like the John F. Milligan Library and the 1842 student hub. Together, these investments signal OWU’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation.

For current students, the Fieldhouse represents resilience.

“It’s cool to think about how many athletes have trained here before us,” said a varsity baseball player. “Now we get to use it in its best form. It connects us to the past while giving us something new.”

As OWU athletics continue to grow, Gordon Fieldhouse will remain a cornerstone. Its reopening ensures that future generations of Bishops will have a space that reflects the university’s values: excellence, community, and tradition.

For Delaware, the Fieldhouse is also a resource. Local residents attend events, alumni return for gatherings, and the facility strengthens the bond between campus and town.

In the end, Gordon Fieldhouse is more than just a building—it is a symbol of what makes OWU special. With its renovations complete, it stands ready to host the next chapter of Bishop pride, welcoming students, athletes, and community members into a space that embodies the spirit of Ohio Wesleyan.