Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
MTSU officially opens the Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center
7/30/2025 10:40:00 AM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University officially cut the ribbon today on the Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center, a transformational $66 million, 85,000-square-foot facility that will reshape the future of Blue Raider Athletics and elevate the daily experience for all MTSU student-athletes.
Located at the north end of Floyd Stadium, this new facility serves as the permanent home for MTSU Football, while also offering a centralized hub for performance, preparation, and recovery across every aspect of the student-athlete journey for MTSU's 17 teams.
"This facility is a testament to the wide-ranging success of our men's and women's athletic teams and to the remarkable community support we enjoy here at MTSU," said MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee. "It is also a fitting tribute to the many contributions of Steve and Denise Smith to the betterment of our university and the continued growth of our athletics program."
One of the marquee spaces within the center is the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center, named in honor of the MTSU legend and current NFL standout Kevin Byard. The world-class training space includes cutting-edge equipment, technology, and space designed to maximize performance, health, and development. Byard, a former Blue Raider All-American and longtime NFL star, remains one of the program's most iconic success stories.
"This is the most impactful project in the history of Blue Raider Athletics," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "With this facility, we've created an environment that rivals any in the country. From the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center to the SRM Concrete Club to the TOA Athletic Training Center, every square foot of this building was designed with our student-athletes in mind. We're grateful for Steve and Denise Smith, our other generous donors, and every Blue Raider who believed in this vision. Let this be the day we remember as the moment MTSU Athletics truly stepped up to the next level."
Additional features include:
"Today is about vision becoming reality," said Head Football Coach Derek Mason. "The Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center—and the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center in particular—represents an elite commitment to excellence. This is a game-changer for our players, our staff, and our future. It shows our program is serious about building something special, and I'm thrilled for what's ahead."
The ribbon cutting ceremony drew a large crowd of fans, supporters, alumni, student-athletes, university leaders, and community members. The event celebrated not only a long-awaited facility but a bold step forward in MTSU's pursuit of championship-level performance on and off the field.
Following is a list of named areas to-date inside the Smith Athletic Performance Center, determined by generous contributions to the Build Blue Campaign:
First Floor:
Tommy & Judy Smith Lobby
Kevin Byard Strength & Conditioning Center
Volunteer Bank Strength & Conditioning Director's Office
Josh Gregory Strength & Conditioning Bullpen
TOA Athletic Training Center
The Massaro Family A.T. Bullpen
Amada Senior Care Exam Room
Dr. Walter & Denise Chitwood Assistant Athletic Trainer's Office
Brian & Malinda Kidd Players Lounge
KAAT, LLC Assistant Equipment Manager's Office
Doug & Susan Young Nutrition Station
Bill & Kathy Jones Elevator Lobby
Second Floor:
Joey Jacobs Football Operations Center
Enterprise Solutions/Seabury Family Football Reception Area
Martha & Tom Boyd Head Coach's Office
The Gatewood Family Offensive Coach's Office
Russell Barnett Automotive Family Offensive Coach's Office
Dusty Gray Offensive Assistant Coach's Office
John & Melissa Cipriano Defensive Assistant Coach's Office
Johnny & Julia Sullivan Assistant Coach's Office
Michael and Kim Gaines Office
Michael & Kimberly Wade Office
Zeke Anderson Special Teams Coordinator's Office
Blunt Family Director of Football Operations Office
Pamela Wright Defensive Team Room
Benny Cunningham Running Back Meeting Room
Victory, Reed, Bell & Slate Family Men's Staff Locker Room
Charlie & Nancy Pigg Recruiting Hospitality Room
Jonathon & Vickie McGuire Video Bullpen
Philip & Brenda Lewis Graham Media Room
Chip Walters Control Room
Dr. Liz Rhea Entrance
Third Floor:
SRM Concrete Club
Uncle Nearest Bar
Dr. David & Jennifer McKnight Mother's Room
Other named opportunities inside the SAPC are still available. Contact Deputy Athletic Director Lee De Leon at lee.deleon@mtsu.edu if you are interested in learning more.
Located at the north end of Floyd Stadium, this new facility serves as the permanent home for MTSU Football, while also offering a centralized hub for performance, preparation, and recovery across every aspect of the student-athlete journey for MTSU's 17 teams.
"This facility is a testament to the wide-ranging success of our men's and women's athletic teams and to the remarkable community support we enjoy here at MTSU," said MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee. "It is also a fitting tribute to the many contributions of Steve and Denise Smith to the betterment of our university and the continued growth of our athletics program."
One of the marquee spaces within the center is the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center, named in honor of the MTSU legend and current NFL standout Kevin Byard. The world-class training space includes cutting-edge equipment, technology, and space designed to maximize performance, health, and development. Byard, a former Blue Raider All-American and longtime NFL star, remains one of the program's most iconic success stories.
"This is the most impactful project in the history of Blue Raider Athletics," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "With this facility, we've created an environment that rivals any in the country. From the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center to the SRM Concrete Club to the TOA Athletic Training Center, every square foot of this building was designed with our student-athletes in mind. We're grateful for Steve and Denise Smith, our other generous donors, and every Blue Raider who believed in this vision. Let this be the day we remember as the moment MTSU Athletics truly stepped up to the next level."
Additional features include:
- The SRM Concrete Club, a state-of-the-art hospitality and viewing area for fans and donors
- A team meeting room with integrated audiovisual technology for full-squad sessions
- The TOA Athletic Training Center to advance recovery and wellness
- A sleek, high-performance team locker room and dedicated players lounge
- Numerous position-specific meeting rooms and coaching offices designed to enhance day-to-day operations
"Today is about vision becoming reality," said Head Football Coach Derek Mason. "The Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center—and the Kevin Byard Strength and Conditioning Center in particular—represents an elite commitment to excellence. This is a game-changer for our players, our staff, and our future. It shows our program is serious about building something special, and I'm thrilled for what's ahead."
The ribbon cutting ceremony drew a large crowd of fans, supporters, alumni, student-athletes, university leaders, and community members. The event celebrated not only a long-awaited facility but a bold step forward in MTSU's pursuit of championship-level performance on and off the field.
Following is a list of named areas to-date inside the Smith Athletic Performance Center, determined by generous contributions to the Build Blue Campaign:
First Floor:
Tommy & Judy Smith Lobby
Kevin Byard Strength & Conditioning Center
Volunteer Bank Strength & Conditioning Director's Office
Josh Gregory Strength & Conditioning Bullpen
TOA Athletic Training Center
The Massaro Family A.T. Bullpen
Amada Senior Care Exam Room
Dr. Walter & Denise Chitwood Assistant Athletic Trainer's Office
Brian & Malinda Kidd Players Lounge
KAAT, LLC Assistant Equipment Manager's Office
Doug & Susan Young Nutrition Station
Bill & Kathy Jones Elevator Lobby
Second Floor:
Joey Jacobs Football Operations Center
Enterprise Solutions/Seabury Family Football Reception Area
Martha & Tom Boyd Head Coach's Office
The Gatewood Family Offensive Coach's Office
Russell Barnett Automotive Family Offensive Coach's Office
Dusty Gray Offensive Assistant Coach's Office
John & Melissa Cipriano Defensive Assistant Coach's Office
Johnny & Julia Sullivan Assistant Coach's Office
Michael and Kim Gaines Office
Michael & Kimberly Wade Office
Zeke Anderson Special Teams Coordinator's Office
Blunt Family Director of Football Operations Office
Pamela Wright Defensive Team Room
Benny Cunningham Running Back Meeting Room
Victory, Reed, Bell & Slate Family Men's Staff Locker Room
Charlie & Nancy Pigg Recruiting Hospitality Room
Jonathon & Vickie McGuire Video Bullpen
Philip & Brenda Lewis Graham Media Room
Chip Walters Control Room
Dr. Liz Rhea Entrance
Third Floor:
SRM Concrete Club
Uncle Nearest Bar
Dr. David & Jennifer McKnight Mother's Room
Other named opportunities inside the SAPC are still available. Contact Deputy Athletic Director Lee De Leon at lee.deleon@mtsu.edu if you are interested in learning more.
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