NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Showcasing the bold vision for Vandy United’s new $300 million goal, Vanderbilt has unveiled select renderings for numerous projects related to the campaign’s next phase. These renderings include facilities that build on the football team’s historic success under two-time SEC Coach of the Year Clark Lea and flagship projects in the recently launched Anchored for Her initiative supporting the university’s women’s teams.
“Our aspirations have never been higher, and our commitment to excellence has never been stronger,” said Candice Storey Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “Commodore Nation has already seen what’s possible when we bring Vandy United’s vision to life. Now we take the next step—reimagining the football experience, investing in new homes for soccer and lacrosse, and building championship-caliber spaces across Vanderbilt Athletics. Together, we are creating a model for sustainable excellence that will lead the future of college sports. There has never been a better time to be a Commodore.
“As we enter this next era together, these renderings represent a bold vision for what lies ahead and a commitment to reinvesting in the future of Vanderbilt Athletics.”
In November, Lee and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier announced a new chapter for Vandy United, which is part of the university’s Dare to Grow campaign and includes the Anchored for Her effort focused on women’s sports. The first public look at renderings for the new football experience center and a new soccer and lacrosse complex build on projects that are already underway—including enhancements to Hawkins Field and the Lummis Family Tennis Center.
Vandy United celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. Throughout those years, National Commodore Club members have stepped up in extraordinary ways. Their philanthropic support of the Vandy United campaign has allowed the university to invest in and reshape the future and footprint of Vanderbilt Athletics. The new phase’s $300 million goal will see Vanderbilt double down on that growth.
“Five years ago, we set out to raise our ambitions for Vanderbilt Athletics by investing in people, facilities and the environment that our student-athletes need to succeed,” Diermeier said. “Today we are seeing the results of that commitment—not only in the success of our teams, but in the excitement and energy across our campuses, among our alumni and beyond. Vanderbilt is attracting extraordinary talent in every arena, and we will continue building the programs and places that allow our student-athletes to compete, lead and win at the highest levels. The success of our teams has inspired our entire campus community to think more boldly and to aim higher.”
Vandy United is gaining momentum as the transformative capital and facilities campaign grows, and the university asks Commodore fans to be a part of this vision by making a gift of any size to Vandy United.
A new Football Experience Center will be a cornerstone of this next phase, supporting a program that has galvanized the community the past two seasons: back-to-back bowl appearances, a return to the Associated Press top 10 for the first time since 1937 and the first 10-win season in more than 130 years of football. The high-performance facility will incorporate the indoor practice field that is in Vandy United’s original blueprint, then significantly expand the vision by uniting it with training, recovery, coaching and administrative functions. This Frist Athletics Village flagship will also be a multipurpose hub for education, experience and hospitality.
“I am so humbled, as football coach, to have leadership that sets the course for our team’s success—and so grateful, as an alum and former student-athlete, that they invest that same energy in every individual,” said E. Bronson Ingram Chair in Football Clark Lea. “With the support of our fans who power the National Commodore Club, Vandy United shows everyone what is possible here. Now is the time to take the next step. We have the opportunity to push forward and reach for more. We need everyone committed to the mission because we have the opportunity to win national championships.”
The next chapter in the Vandy United story reaches every corner of the Frist Athletics Village and prioritizes the needs of student-athletes across Vanderbilt’s athletics portfolio.
- Olympic Sports Performance complex, including a soccer and lacrosse stadium: On the heels of Vanderbilt women’s soccer winning the SEC Tournament and reaching the Elite Eight for the first time, the plan envisions a new home for Vanderbilt soccer and lacrosse and an Olympic Sports Center with locker rooms and facilities for multiple programs. With expanded amenities, the all-new facilities will match each program’s needs and championship ambitions, helping fulfill the Anchored for Her initiative vision to make Vanderbilt the premier destination for women’s sports.
- Additional Hawkins Field enhancements: Construction recently began on a new vision for the home of the two-time national champion VandyBoys. Support from the new phase of Vandy United will fully bring to life plans that enhance the fan experience, including new amenities and premium options, and create a game day experience equal to the on-field standard of excellence.
- Lummis Family Tennis Center indoor expansion: Doubling down on Vandy United’s original vision and the complete renovation of the outdoor courts now in use for the spring season, plans expand indoor facilities for the men’s and women’s teams.
- Jess Neely Drive transformation: Vandy United will turn this natural community anchor into a vibrant pedestrian corridor lined with food vendors, retail kiosks, pop-up installations and more to create a shared space for friends, family and fans to gather before and after games—and any time they visit campus.
To get the latest news and make a gift, sign up to receive Vandy United updates and visit the National Commodore Club. Gifts of any size qualify supporters for National Commodore Club membership and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Vanderbilt’s more than 400 student-athletes.
About Vandy United
A key initiative in the university’s Dare to Grow campaign, Vandy United’s initial phase raised more than $370 million. The university is working on major facilities and operational enhancements, including the Frist Athletics Village and ambitious renovations for Hawkins Field and the Lummis Family Tennis Center. Through the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success and other efforts, Vandy United has funded scholarships and support programs to ensure that Vanderbilt student-athletes are poised for success in every way. To learn more about this historic campaign and make a gift, visit the new Vandy United hub.
About Dare to Grow
Vanderbilt’s ongoing Dare to Grow campaign surpassed its original goal of $3.2 billion 20 months ahead of schedule and has now exceeded $3.8 billion. Support for the campaign continues to fuel our most ambitious vision: to be the great university of the 21st century. Learn more at vu.edu/daretogrow.
About Anchored for Her
Vanderbilt launched Anchored for Her to honor its pioneering female student-athletes and cement the university’s place as the premier destination for women’s sports ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of its varsity women’s teams. Bolstered by lead gifts from Vanderbilt Board of Trust members Nina Kohler and Kathleen Justice-Moore, JD’91, Anchored for Her’s initial $50 million goal will fuel investment in sustainable success for a new era of collegiate athletics through facility enhancements, endowed scholarships, coaching and staff positions, capital support and naming opportunities, team-specific Excellence Funds, the Women’s Athletics General Fund and the Competitive Excellence Fund.
