The Rhodes Field House, as it has been known for more than 18 years, was renamed the Rhodes-Reaves Field House as it undergoes construction to nearly double its current size.
Along with the name change, more than 11,000 square feet are being added to the basketball/volleyball complex, space dedicated primarily to a new practice court and locker rooms, according to Vice-President of Finance Mel Sansom. The project also includes expanding the front entrance space and providing a hospitality room on the second floor. Construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2016.
Roy Reaves, chairman of the Board of Trustees, is the principal donor for this project. Russellville, Arkansas, native Reaves and his wife Becky donated $1 million towards renovating and expanding the field house, a project that will ultimately cost an estimated $2.5 million. In honor of this contribution, President Bruce McLarty said in an August 2015 press release that the members of the board unanimously voted to add the Reaves’ name to the building.
Reaves said that there was a tremendous need for expansion in the Rhodes, in particular the need for a practice gym and upgraded facilities.
“As we bring young athletes into the department, we need to have the equivalent facilities of other competitive schools,” Reaves said.
Despite losing approximately 70 parking spaces behind the Rhodes to accommodate for the practice gyms, Sansom said that with the 153 spots added on Market Street, the net increase is still positive in regard to parking.
Junior Seth Creamer, student assistant for the men’s basketball team, said he believes the project is well worth the money. Creamer said that there are currently three teams that have to share one court, and they often have to come early in the morning or stay late at night in order to practice.
In addition, Creamer said the new building will enhance the classic Rhodes experience.
“When high school prospects come in and feel the energy of the Rhodes Rowdies, it makes them want to be a Bison even more,” Creamer said. “Just think how these renovations can take that atmosphere to a whole new level.”
Reaves said that he and his wife are humbled to have their name attached to a building that has been such an integral part of the university for so many years.
“The transformation that happened to me at Harding started in the Rhodes Field House,” Reaves said. “When my wife and I see an opportunity to support this institution, we want to do what we can to make that happen.”
