Allan P. Kirby Sports Center
Dedicated on June 2, 2000, the $35 million Allan P. Kirby Sports Center
gives Lafayette the finest athletic complex of any college of its size in
the country. It includes a new, 110,000-square-foot intramural and
recreational sports facility attached to the previously existing Kirby
Field House. The field house itself received a $2.5 million facelift and
interior renovations.
The new portion of the center, featuring a distinctive atrium overlooking
Fisher Field, includes the Kamine Gymnasium, which includes three
50-by-84-foot courts for basketball and other sports and an elevated
1/10-mile jogging track. The Buck Courts include six courts for racquet
sports, two for squash and four that can be configured for squash or
racquetball. A 6,600-square-foot fitness center and weight room includes a
full strength-training circuit, spacious free-weight area, and more than 30
cardiovascular machines. There is also a 35-foot climbing wall, an aerobics
area, and several offices.
Built in 1973, the original field house, which contains Ruef Natatorium, is
home to several varsity sports teams. It has been enhanced to include a new
sports medicine area and a new equipment room and renovated locker rooms
and administrative offices. The lobby and Athletic Hall of Fame exhibitry
have been completely modernized.
Major support for the sports center was provided by the F.M. Kirby
Foundation, which made a $32.5 million gift to Lafayette, the largest gift
ever received by a college, university, or other non-profit organization in
the Lehigh Valley.
The $32.5 million contribution, which Lafayette has received in full,
includes $26.25 million for the sports complex and an additional $6.25
million in support of other objectives in the Lafayette Leadership Campaign.
The total cost of the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center is $35 million. This
includes $26.5 million in construction and renovation costs and $8.5
million in endowment for operation and maintenance of the facility.
Approximately 75 percent of Lafayette students participate in varsity,
junior varsity, club, intramural, or other recreational sports. The
intramural program includes some three dozen sports. There are 15 club
sports.
The Kirby Foundation is the family foundation of the Fred Morgan Kirby
family, which has been prominent in the life of Lafayette for nearly a
century. Seven family members are alumni, four have served as trustees, and
three received honorary doctorates from Lafayette.
DIRECTIONS:
FROM THE WEST -- Exit Route 22 at the 4th Street Exit (the last exit in Pennsylvania). At the end of the exit ramp turn left at the traffic light onto Bushkill Street. Proceed straight approximately 100 yards to the next traffic light and turn left onto 3rd Street and pass under Route 22. Continue straight approximately 100 yards to the base of College Hill and bear right as 3rd Street becomes College Avenue. Proceed uphill on College Avenue approximately 200 yards and turn left onto McCartney Street. Continue on McCartney Street to the first stop sign. At this point turn left onto High Street. Proceed to the next stop sign and turn right onto Hamilton Street. Proceed downhill on Hamilton Street (Fisher Field and the A.P. Kirby Field House are on the left along the brick wall). Parking is on a “first-come, first-served” basis on College Hill.
FROM THE EAST -- Exit Route 22 at the second exit (marked Lafayette College) after crossing the Delaware River from Phillipsburg, NJ. Proceed straight off the exit ramp approximately 200 yards and turn right onto 3rd Street at the traffic light. At this point refer to the eastbound directions beginning with “continue straight approximately 100 yards to the base of College Hill.”
FROM THE NORTH -- From Route 80 (east-west) take Route 33 South (exit 46A) approximately 25 miles. Exit Route 33 to Route 22 east. At this point refer to the beginning of the eastbound directions.
FROM THE SOUTH -- From the Philadelphia area, take the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike northbound and exit off for Allentown/Lehigh Valley on Route 22 east. Proceed on Route 22 east for approximately 20 miles passing Allentown and Bethlehem. At this point refer to the beginning of the eastbound directions.
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