Waterville, MAINE - Earlier this fall, Colby College opened the doors to the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a state of the art sports complex that can be seen from miles away.  While students and staff who lived through the years of construction and anticipation have enjoyed the first few months in quiet operation, the secret is out.  Forbes and Sports Business Journal, two of the most renowned publications in the country, hit the press yesterday with their version of what the building means to Colby.  

Forbes identified that while other institutions are in a holding pattern, or even looking to take a step back, "Colby College isn't ceding ground to the pandemic."  The article, written by Forbes Staff writer Kurt Badenhausen, documents the commitment of the College to the health and wellness of its students during such trying times, producing a 354,000 square foot facility that is "now the largest in Division III and in the entire Northeast."  Badenhausen further identifies why the facility is a "wise investment" and notes how 60% of the construction work on the project was performed by Maine Companies.  

For the full article by Forbes, please follow the link "Colby College Defies Downturn with $200 Million Facility and a Pledge For Sports." 

Michael Smith, lead reporter for Sports Business Journal, remarked that "one of the most impressive collegiate athletic facilities in the country is about to open, and it's not in Ann Arbor, Austin, or College Station."  Smith relates the dimensions and immense size of the building are good for many things, but one of the most attractive aspects of the design is that Colby chose not to isolate sports, but instead build towards furthering inclusivity.  "Colby figured out a way to build a facility that put all 32 varsity sports under one roof, including a training center and weights, fitness and locker rooms."   The benefit of the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center extends well beyond athletics, as the entire Colby community has access to the tremendous features, and the "Waterville community will be invited in once the pandemic subsides."  

For the full article by Sports Business Journal, please follow the link "Colby's New Sports Center is Truly One For All."