Construction Progress Continues on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
Photo: The south end of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse gym is shown as construction continues for VCSU’s athletic facility expansion. The large mechanical systems behind each basket have been removed, and the old boiler room and south garages are undergoing renovation.
Major Milestones Happening in Coming Months
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSU) – Construction continues to move steadily forward on Valley City State University’s Tharaldson Family Athletic Center – a $13 million expansion to the current athletic facilities.
Several major construction milestones are scheduled throughout the summer and fall as the project advances towards completion. The project consists of three integrated components:
- The Ship, which is the new indoor athletic training and competition facility and the centerpiece of the project
- The Connection Building that links The Ship to the south end of the existing W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
- Renovations to the existing W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
Substantial completion of the project is currently expected in November 2026. Much of the recent work has been on the Connection Building and inside the Fieldhouse, although the public will start to notice more exterior work this summer. The new building will begin to be enclosed in July, and the turf is scheduled for installation in October.
“The progress taking place every week is exciting to see,” said Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement and the VCSU Foundation. “What was once a vision on paper is now becoming a reality. Each month brings visible progress as The Ship, the Connection Building, and the renovated Fieldhouse come together into a unified athletic complex. This project represents an investment not only in our student-athletes, but in the future of Valley City State University and the entire region.”
The Tharaldson Family Athletic Center will provide year-round opportunities for athletic training, recreation, wellness, and community engagement while strengthening VCSU’s ability to recruit and retain students and student-athletes.
The project remains a centerpiece of the university’s Finish the Voyage Campaign, which continues to seek philanthropic support to bring the facility across the finish line and fully realize its transformational impact on campus.
For additional project information or to learn more about supporting the Finish the Voyage Campaign, contact the VCSU Foundation at 701-845-7203 or visit www.vcsualumni.org.
Tharaldson Family Athletic Center – Current and Future Work Schedule
June
Crews are focusing on completing the Connection Building’s roof replacement, enclosing the structure, doing interior drywall work, and constructing the new entrance vestibule that will serve as the primary connection between facilities. Within The Ship, underground electrical infrastructure, interior grading, and foundation work continue. Inside the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, the large mechanical systems behind each basketball hoop have been removed, while the old boiler room and south garages are being renovated.
July
Visitors will see dramatic changes to the project as exterior walls begin enclosing The Ship. As side and end walls rise, the scale and presence of the facility will become increasingly visible from across campus and throughout the Valley City community. Interior painting, ceiling installation, and restroom construction will be underway in the Connection Building. Mechanical upgrades and office improvements will continue in the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse and basketball court repairs will begin.
August
Restroom fixtures, flooring, and mechanical systems will be installed in the Connection Building, while insulation and interior liner systems will transform The Ship from a construction shell into a finished athletic venue. Renovations to the existing Fieldhouse will continue as building systems move toward completion.
September
HVAC, lighting, sports netting and athletic infrastructure will be installed within The Ship, and final interior finishes should be completed throughout the Connection Building.
October
The installation of the 85-yard indoor turf surface begins. Final grading, lighting, signage, and athletic systems will be completed as the facility transforms into a year-round training and competition venue for Viking student-athletes and the broader campus community.
November
Construction is expected to reach substantial completion in November, followed by final inspections, punch-list work, equipment installation, and occupancy preparations. Planning for grand opening and dedication activities will begin as the facility nears completion.
About the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
- $13+ million project investment
- 55,000+ square feet of indoor turf and athletic training space
- 85-yard indoor turf practice field
- 60-meter sprint lanes and field event training areas
- Batting cages and bullpens
- Softball game field
- Locker rooms and team rooms
- Connection to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
- Year-round training and recreation opportunities
- Expected substantial completion: November 2026
Photo: The old boiler room (pictured) and south garages at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse are undergoing renovation and will connect to the new Tharaldson Family Athletic Center.
Photo: A view from the basketball court shows the old southeast garage and how it connects into the new facility.
Photo: The large mechanical systems located at the north end (pictured) and south end of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse gym have been removed.
Photo: The exterior of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, showing The Ship and the Connection Building. The Ship will start being enclosed in July.