Wayne State University Athletics

Soccer Complex and Matthaei Natatorium to receive upgrades.

General 10/23/2025 4:50:00 PM Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Wayne State University BOG's Approve Athletics Facility Upgrades

DETROIT – The Wayne State University Board of Governors has approved $5.2 million in major facility projects for the Department of Athletics, continuing the university's commitment to providing premier athletic and recreational spaces for its students and community.

The approved projects include a renovation of the Matthaei Natatorium and the addition of several new amenities at the Wayne State Soccer Complex, including bleachers, team shelters, a press box, and expanded storage facilities.

The Natatorium project will replace and modernize critical systems to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Structural updates, including new liners and underwater tiling, will restore the swimming and diving wells to top condition, ensuring a quality experience for students and recreational users alike.

Enhancements to the Soccer Complex will include new spectator seating, team shelters, and a press box to elevate the gameday experience. A new 3,000-square-foot storage and support facility will also be constructed to serve multiple programs, while locker room renovations inside Matthaei will provide upgraded spaces for the women's soccer team and other student-athletes.

"Wayne State Athletics is incredibly grateful to the university for continuing to invest in our facilities," said Erika Wallace, WSU Director of Athletics. "This $5.2 million investment represents more than just construction projects, it's an investment in our student-athletes, our campus, and our community. These facilities not only enhance the student-athlete experience but also create opportunities for local programs and events that bring people to our campus and strengthen our connection to the city of Detroit."

These upgrades build on recent progress at the Wayne State Soccer Complex, which received new lighting in 2024 and a high-performance turf surface as part of its initial development five years ago. Both projects will be funded through the university's Special Reserve for Non-Recurring Funds, with additional support for the soccer complex provided by Athletics Endowment resources.

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