Trae Young’s athletic center in Norman, OK opens
The City of Norman is pleased to announce the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Young Family Athletic Center (YFAC), a state-of-the-art 122,000-square-foot facility located on a 12-acre site on the north side of Norman.This extraordinary facility, located at 2201 Trae Young Drive, stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to quality of life. YFAC is set to be a pinnacle of excellence, offering premier basketball and volleyball courts, aquatics, sports medicine, youth sports, sports camps, leagues, and a retail store.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on February 19, following the “Elevate the Game” Art Dedication.
“Thanks to Norman voters, the leadership of elected officials, and fantastic partnerships in our community, we are able to see this dream become a reality,” said Darrel Pyle, Norman City Manager. “This facility will undoubtedly become a sought-after venue for sports tournaments, rentals, and longtime community engagement and partnerships, providing hours of enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. With four hotels boasting 600 rooms within walking distance, the YFAC is poised to become a hub for sports enthusiasts, families, and athletes from all walks of life.”
The YFAC’s multi-sport gymnasium is a dynamic hub of athleticism and wellness. Boasting eight basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, and 18 pickleball courts, this expansive facility has amenities for all ages. The gymnasium is equipped with a massive 74-foot video screen to display live games, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of excitement and teamwork. The aquatic portion of the building features two pools, including an 8-lane 25-yard competition pool with spectator seating and a 4-lane 25-yard pool used as a warm-up pool during swim competitions. The facility also offers men’s and women’s locker rooms, professional diving blocks, the latest version of the Colorado timing system, a hospitality room, officials meeting room, conference room, and more. Other YFAC amenities include concessions, a small retail space, administrative offices, tournament and team breakout rooms, public restrooms, and other standard support areas.
DiBari & Associates’ iconic sculpture, “Elevate the Game,” for the YFAC embraces the variety of sports activities that will take place in the facility. This three-dimensional installation for the entry roundabout features the figures of a swimmer, a volleyball player, and a basketball player. In the words of Vito DiBari, the 16.5′ artwork is to become “a landmark honoring and representing the Young Family Athletic Center, its vision, and the people of Norman.”
The facility is a result of collaborative endeavors between the City of Norman, Norman Regional Health System, and the Trae Young Family Foundation. The center is a hub for athletics in the community and, through given partnerships, is designed to be affordable and accessible to the community. The Parks & Recreation Department will operate the athletics portion of the facility and will be offering a membership and daily pass program that is available for purchase in person and online at https://www.yfac.com/cometotheyfac.
The YFAC furthers the citizen-initiated Norman Forward mission to fund and create quality-of-life projects for the community. Norman residents overwhelmingly supported the Norman Forward initiative, passing with 72 percent approval on October 13, 2015. The total project budget for the Young Family Athletic Center is $22.5 million, funded through the Norman Forward sales tax, a $2.7 million construction supplement from the University North Park Tax Increment District, $4 million donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, and $6.7 million from Norman Regional Health System for the NMotion sports and human performance center. The YFAC is a shining example of community collaboration and dedication.
“The completion of the Young Family Athletic Center is a testament to the vision and commitment of our community,” said Jason Olsen, Parks & Recreation Director. “It not only provides world-class facilities for sports enthusiasts but also contributes significantly to the overall well-being of our residents. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this exciting milestone.”
COMMUNITY-CENTRIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Norman Regional Health System (NRHS) is partnering with the YFAC through their NMotion Sports and Human Performance Center, expansion of Ortho Central, and relocation of Ortho Central Physical Therapy. These new services and expansions to existing services highlight Norman Regional’s vision to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
“As we advance in our mission, our commitment remains steadfast in delivering accessible, state-of-the-art care tailored to the distinctive needs of each person,” said Norman Regional President and CEO, Richie Splitt. “This collaboration is more than just a partnership; it’s a promise to empower our community members to achieve their personal best, whether that’s on the field or in their daily lives for years to come.”