Carl Sandburg College breaks ground on new athletic hub

Carl Sandburg College marked a major milestone in its athletic facilities expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Charger Center on Aug. 27.

The event celebrated the start of construction on the planned facility, according to a community announcement. Initial work on the project began earlier this month on the Galesburg campus.

The Charger Center is planned as a 70,204-square-foot athletic and conference complex that will become the new home for Sandburg's athletic programs while also supporting academic activities and community events.

College officials expect the facility to open in late 2027.

New athletic and community space planned

The Charger Center was designed by Legat Architects and will be built in the southeast portion of campus adjacent to Building G.

Its front entrance will face across Tom L. Wilson Blvd. toward the rest of the campus. Turf playing fields for baseball, softball and soccer are planned on the south side of the building.

Facilities include gyms, training areas and esports

Plans for the Charger Center include two wood-floor gymnasiums that can host athletic competitions and large events, as well as a third gymnasium with multi-purpose flooring.

Additional features will include fitness and training areas, a golf simulator room, an esports arena, multi-purpose spaces and indoor turf areas supporting several athletic programs.

Photos shared by the college after the ceremony showed participants gathering on the construction site as work moves forward on a project intended to expand athletic, academic and community-use opportunities on campus, according to the announcement.

This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct .