The centerpiece of the $105 million Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village is the Richard E. Lindner Center, which opened in May 2006 and serves as the home for all of the sports programs as well as the centralized support services.
Located between Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena, the Lindner Center is a futuristic eight-story structure which houses offices, locker rooms, and reception and meeting space for each of the sports teams. The administrative services and support areas are also housed in the building.
The emphasis of the Lindner Center programming is on the student-athlete. One entire floor of the building is devoted to the Nancy Hamant Academics Center, which contains study facilities for UC's 530 student-athletes, including over 80 computer stations.
A new athletics training center, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, including three hydrotherapy pools, is included in the Lindner Center. The University Health Services for students has been relocated to the Lindner Center and provides expanded medical coverage conveniently located for UC student-athletes. An MRI diagnostic center is also part of the building.
Space for strength and conditioning training in the adjacent Fifth Third Arena has been doubled to 18,000 square feet and has been furnished with the latest in weight training equipment. A new 12,000-square foot practice gymnasium will ease the scheduling of workouts.
While the Lindner Center provides for the present and future of UC athletics, it also recognizes and celebrates the UC's proud past. The ground level of the five-story atrium features the George and Helen Smith Museum detailing the history of both the athletics program and the university. Sports histories are portrayed in graphic murals and on video screens. Terminals in the Jack Twyman Traditions Lounge enable former student-athletes and their families to look up photos and records of their participation. A five-story trophy case houses the Bearcats' championship memorabilia.
The unique building was designed by signature architect Bernard Tschumi. UC graduate Eva Maddox (DAAP 1966) orchestrated the design of the museum.
Landscaping has created a major walkway, O'Varsity Way, that leads visitors through the heart of Varsity Village. The Raymond D. Sheakley Lawn and Victory Plaza provide gathering and activities space for UC fans attending events.
