To support NJIT’s overall growth and transition into a major Division 1 player in both academic research and athletics, AECOM designed a new Wellness + Events Center (WEC). The WEC was designed to serve the entire student population as a whole for the foreseeable future and includes a 3,500-seat arena to replace the 1,500-seat Fleisher Center and an 850-seat grandstand and competition field that doubles as an informal gathering space for students on non-game days.
The versatile venue offers places for students to congregate, socialize and study, as well as host community events. Academic amenities range from a 90-seat tiered lecture room to high-tech meeting rooms to open floor space for science fairs and competitions. Retractable grandstands enable the 3,500-seat arena to easily convert to a hall for concerts, convocations and conventions.
In addition to the arena and competition field, the WEC includes a hospitality suite, concession stands, team store, basketball and volleyball team facilities, visiting team and officials’ locker rooms, film room, weight room, training room and equipment room. Additional athletics facilities within the complex include player facilities for all other NJIT sports, coaches’ offices, 200-meter practice track, fencing room, 25-yard swimming pool with diving well, 100’ x 100’ indoor turf area for outdoor sports (including batting cages), athletic department offices and a Hall of Fame to celebrate the tradition of the Highlanders. The WEC also features academic support facilities and recreation facilities, including group exercise classrooms, weights and cardio fitness area, racquetball/squash courts, three-court gymnasium, lobby/snack bar and locker rooms.