Building Legacies
Kelly Family Sports Center
Opened in 2008, the Kelly Famiy Sports Center, provides space for the movement science program and allows expansion of field use for competitive, intramural, and club sports activities with a 300-meter indoor track, long jump, triple jump and pole vault lanes along with a 100-yard sport turf field. A concession area and public bleacher seating for 800 enhance spectator participation, which has been limited during winter months.
Brian Kelly, currently the head football coach at Notre Dame University, and his family have roots at GVSU. Brian Kelly served as head football coach from 1991-2003, but his coaching career started as a graduate assistant foorball coach.
Brian Kelly met his wife, Paqui while employed as an assitant coach. Paqui worked in the Financial Aid Office during that time. Brian continued as the defensive coordinator before becoming the head football coach and Paqui went on to recieve her master's degree in education. Three children, Patrick, Grace and Kenzel were born while Brian and Paqui were affliated with GVSU. All enjoyed participating in campus activities with their parents.
GVSU won five conference championships and two NCAA Division II national championships under Coach Kelly. He was inducted into the GVSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Sustainability Fact
This building has achieved LEED Certification and provides GVSU with an indoor track, Providing GVSU with an indoor track, athletic turf field and several multipurpose spaces. The Kelly Family Sports Center makes use of water saving plumbing fixtures, no/low VOC finishes and 75% of spaces are designated for efficient use of daylight and views. There is also an extremely large rain garden to the south of the building.
Page last modified May 16, 2013
