Spiders arriving on campus could be forgiven for doing a double take when they walk by Millhiser Gymnasium and the Weinstein Center for Recreation. Situated between the two now is the basketball programs’ new home — the $15 million Queally Athletics Center.

The sparkling new facility, completed in October, allows the men’s and women’s teams to practice at the same time, rather than scheduling around each other at the Robins Center. The QAC also allows student-athletes to practice, train, study, and receive academic support in one spot.

“Combining the rigors of Richmond’s academic programs with the demands of a successful Division-1 Basketball program places a tremendous premium on time management for our Spider student-athletes,” said John Hardt, vice president and director of athletics. “By having the flexibility to schedule practices in the new facility as well as in the Robins Center, our coaches will have the ultimate flexibility in scheduling practice to optimize the use of our basketball student-athletes’ time.”

A full court that replicates the Robins Center and two half courts are the centerpiece of the facility. Steps away are a strength and conditioning area, a sports medicine suite, and two pools for hydrotherapy. Also nearby is a 20-seat video viewing room for reviewing practice and drawing up plays.  

“The QAC is a state-of-the-art basketball training facility,” said Hardt. “It clearly demonstrates the University’s commitment to developing our Spider student-athletes to their full potential as well as supporting championship-caliber basketball in both our men’s and women’s programs.”

A renovation of Millhiser Gymnasium was a key part of the project and now houses the Student-Athlete Development Center for academic support, including computer labs and tutoring stations. Student-athletes will study there and receive support for leadership development and career planning. The renovated spaces also includes new offices for the men’s and women’s coaches, locker rooms and lounges for both teams, and a basketball recruitment room.

The entrance to the Queally Athletics Center, dubbed Spider Hall, features a large video board, and allows access to Millhiser Gymnasium and the University’s new Student Well-Being Center. Glass walls allow views of the football stadium, as well as the practice courts, located one floor below.

“Everyone I’ve talked to regarding the new facility has been incredibly impressed,” Hardt said, “and many have commented on the unique architectural design which ties in the history and charm of Millhiser Gymnasium with the state-of-the-art structure and functionality of the new Queally Athletics Center.”