The Capital Center

Opened in 2001, the Capital Center is a 126,000-square-foot recreational and athletic complex that includes a 2,100-seat performance arena, a 3,000-seat Bernlohr Stadium, a 51,000-square-foot multipurpose forum, a 5,000-square-foot fitness center, and a multitude of offices, classrooms and hospitality areas. 

Functionality and usability are the key in the multipurpose forum, as the infield of the NCAA regulation indoor track has four courts with lines for basketball, volleyball and tennis. Suspended from the ceiling is netting that can split the area into a multitude of configurations for a variety of events, as well as a pair of hitting cages for baseball, softball and golf. Part of the forum also makes up 1,200 square feet of the fitness center with a complete cardiovascular area, filled with treadmills, Stairmasters and a universal unit. The remaining 3,800 square feet of the fitness center is a room complete with weight training equipment from Hammer Strength.

The department of health and sport sciences calls the Capital Center home with a complete sports medicine and athletic training center, sports science laboratory, classrooms and more than ample space for activity classes. The athletic department also has an office suite with conference room and administrative work areas.

Like many facilities, it is the small things that separate the adequate from the memorable. The Capital Center with its towers of brick and plaster, terrazzo flooring, hand-painted tile, skylights and enormous walls of glass not only pays homage to the tradition and architecture of the main campus but also provides a functional and modern place for the university to reach new horizons.

Capital’s vision has been simple – to have a center that is an integral part of university life, encompassing health and wellness activities, academic programs, intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, social activities and community partnerships. The Capital Center embodies that vision and is a testament to the dedication, values and commitment to service of the entire CAP Family. To those past, present and future members of the Cap Family we only have one thing to say – welcome home.