Mount Celebrates Groundbreaking of Rooney Athletic Performance Center

Giselle Wyche

On Sept. 2, Mount St. Mary’s University held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Rooney Athletic Performance Center. The community came together outside of the PNC Knott Arena (the ARCC), just across the academic side of campus. Hundreds of student athletes, faculty, coaches and supporters gathered to join the generous family of the late John J. Rooney and Patrick J. Rooney, who donated $6 million to Mount Athletics before their passing.

The event opened with university President Gerard J. Joyce, sharing a few words on his excitement for the new space and what it brings to The Mount community. “I hope it’s not just a building: it's a destination,”he asserted.

For years to come, students will arrive at the space “to grow spiritually, physically and academically as student-athletes, making them not just better competitors but better leaders,” he added excitedly in front of a crowd of media, guests and supporters.

To Joyce, it’s more than just a space or a building; it’s something transformational. 

The space which is set to be completed by the end of summer 2027 is going to be accessible soon to mountaineers. A training room for aid and recovery, a weight room with new equipment, a lounge for coaches, recruitment, faculty meetingsand many refurbishments to the ARCC with the edition of locker rooms for the baseball and softball teams.

“It's truly a gamechanger for the Mount in several ways,” Athletic Director Brad Davis stated. He has been heavily involved in the process serving as the project advocate, “ultimately charged with making decisions on building design, deciding what will go inside the new building and identifying the branding and overall style within the dollars available from fundraising.” 

He continued, “I consult with our coaches as needed to ensure their spaces align with their vision for their program, and I work regularly with the architect, the general contractor and the Campus Environment team.” When the project is completed, it will become the highlight of the Mount’s athletic facilities and a space the university can use for signature events. 

Both Joyce and Davis can affirm that this project raises the bar for Mount Athletics. It will help us attract and retain more talented recruits, improve performance with top notch training and recovery amenities, all which will help Mount St. Mary's become more visible in the DMV region. Get ready to experience the new facility next summer!