Columbus Fieldhouse & Wellness Center

Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus, Neb., had an ambitious vision to expand its current facility with a multi-sport fieldhouse and gymnasium. A specific challenge for the Columbus Fieldhouse project was ensuring that such a large project would blend seamlessly with the existing building’s exterior. The answer was a comprehensive design featuring pre-engineered metal structures that were erected by Bierman Contracting Inc., also from Columbus.

The 266 ft. by 462.5 ft. fieldhouse has a custom, gabled steel frame with a 36-ft. eave side-wall height and a 62-ft. peak height. The result is a massive, column-free interior that comfortably houses a regulation-sized soccer field and two tennis courts. An additional feature is the elevated, 16-foot-wide running track. Batting cages were installed in a dedicated space beneath the fieldhouse mezzanine.

The fieldhouse design also called for a separate two-story administrative and office wing located near the main entrance, which leads directly into a central hub that provides easy access throughout the facility.

The steel-framed gymnasium addition includes a full-sized hardwood basketball court with retractable backboard/rims, plus ceiling-mounted divider curtains. Next to this sports court is a trampoline zone. A structure between the fieldhouse and gymnasium houses a multi-hole putting green.

Both the fieldhouse and gymnasium sections have three-inch insulated wall panels for superior thermal efficiency and sound dampening. Expansive window areas and translucent end panels maximize natural lighting and help reduce energy loads.

Weather protection is via the Behlen Building Systems ZL-24 Standing Seam roof system. A comprehensive combination of lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems completed the nine-phased build.

Completed in 2023, the Columbus Fieldhouse and Wellness Center addition is a unique, comprehensive solution that beautifully meets the multi-sport needs of Columbus and the surrounding areas.