Building on the momentum from the transformational upgrades to the Hynes Center arena and main entrance lobby, Iona College continues to advance the experience for its student-athletes and the campus community with its next round of improvements to its athletics facilities.
A generous lead gift from Edward F. Arrigoni ’56, ’91H, led to the innovative design and alterations to the Hynes Athletics Center last summer. The efforts maintained the building’s current footprint and marked the first phase of changes to the facility. Iona cut the ribbon last October for the upgraded playing venue for volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball. The site hosted numerous successful events during the 2019-20 academic year including non-athletic competitions. The new lobby highlights Iona athletics’ past and present and prominently features a home for the newly renamed Arrigoni Hall of Fame.
The enhancements continued this summer with capital projects upcoming, underway, or already completed:
Fueling Station
In 2014, Iona athletics moved its varsity weight room to Hynes West and converted the space into an additional academic area for its student-athletes. This summer, the area on the second floor in Hynes East was adjusted again, with a third of the room converted into a fueling station designed to help student-athletes refuel their bodies on a day-to-day basis. The fueling station is home to numerous grab-and-go snacks and beverages which aim to provide student-athletes with access to nutritious food, to help maximize performance, energy, and recovery. A partnership with Mirage Restaurant, located on the ground floor of Iona’s new North Avenue Residence Hall, allows for stock to remain filled for Iona’s student-athletes.
Varsity Weight Room
Originally moved to its current location in 2014, the Hynes Center varsity weight room is undergoing significant expansion. The room’s east wall was removed to increase the size of it by a third. Once finished it will be furnished with state-of-the art weight training equipment and a 30-yard turf running lane installed in part of the expanded room.
Community Weight Room
Located directly under the varsity weight room on the first floor of Hynes West, the community weight room – utilized by Iona’s students, faculty, staff, and recreation members – has been similarly enlarged. A key feature of the approximately 33% increase in the room’s size, is the allowance of natural light to enter the room as it now extends from Mulcahy Gymnasium on one side, to the exterior wall on the other. The facility will also see updated equipment as it receives a needed upgrade.
Community Cardio Room
One of the main focal points of the Hynes Athletics Center since its opening in January 2006 has been the cardio room on the second floor of the west side. Like the weight training facilities on both the first and second floors, the cardio room will increase its size by a third. The renovation takes place in conjunction with its scheduled equipment upgrade.
Locker Rooms
Phase II of the Arrigoni Challenge will see locker room upgrades for Iona’s men’s and women’s varsity student-athletes. With current configuration set in Summer 2009, this needed improvement is currently in its planning stages.
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