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- 229 total precast pieces supplied, covering nearly 30,000 square feet of structural and architectural surfaces.
- 74 insulated wall panels with architectural textures—over 21,000 sq ft—delivered high thermal performance and visual appeal.
- Stadia risers and treads provided durable, integrated spectator seating solutions with over 2,900 sq ft of smooth, structural finish.
- 12-inch hollowcore plank flooring
- Structural support system included beams, columns, and load-bearing panels—designed for strength, clean lines, and efficient installation.
“The new competition pool will allow the athletes to train at the same time on a more consistent basis, which will help foster a stronger team culture. The addition is an overall investment in their team, and it will make the athletes’ overall experience at USD better.”
“This project could not have come together without the collaboration of the university, the athletic department and the Vermillion community. We are excited for the new opportunities this provides not only our Coyote swimming and diving student-athletes, but also the overall student body and members of the community.”
Per a SwimSwam article: “Walking into the building for the first time, it was literally just a dream come true and every single day the dream gets more and more real.”
Elevating Health, Competition, and Community in Vermillion, SD
University of South Dakota’s state-of-the-art aquatics facility dives into excellence with durable, high-performance precast from Gage Brothers.
A Community-Focused Facility Anchored in Purpose
When the University of South Dakota set out to enhance its campus recreation and competitive sports offerings, the vision was clear: create a best-in-class aquatics venue that would serve students, athletes, and the Vermillion community alike. The resulting USD Wellness Center Natatorium Addition now anchors that vision. A striking facility featuring an eight-lane competition pool, diving well with platforms, elevated spectator seating, and team support spaces. Designed by RDG Planning & Design and built by Journey Group, the 50,000+ square-foot addition officially opened in March 2024, drawing students, swim teams, and spectators into a high-performance environment that fuels both wellness and school spirit.
Beyond its collegiate athletics role, the natatorium also fulfills a civic mission. It offers recreational access, lifeguard training, and wellness programming to the broader public, all while elevating the stature of the university’s NCAA Division I swim and dive programs. For a rural state like South Dakota, investments like this ripple outward, boosting regional pride and retaining talent in local communities.
The Precast Contribution: Built for Performance and Longevity
Gage Brothers was brought in to provide structural and architectural precast solutions that align with the university’s long-term vision for durability, schedule certainty, and clean, modern design.
Color selections featured a sleek blend of charcoal and gray tones to complement the university’s bold red and black palette. The precast interior surfaces create a clean visual identity that also stands up to chlorinated environments and constant foot traffic. Precast stadia units support elevated spectator seating while integrating seamlessly into the building’s functional layout.
Why Precast Made a Splash
In an environment like a natatorium, where moisture, vibration, and acoustics all pose design challenges, precast concrete provided a natural advantage. The use of PCI-Certified precast products ensured:
- Speed of construction, reducing delays during South Dakota’s harsh winter months
- Structural resilience, resisting corrosion, moisture penetration, and long-term wear
- Vibration control, especially in seating areas and above mechanical zones
- Thermal mass and fire resistance, offering energy efficiency and peace of mind
A Lasting Impact and an Invitation
The USD Wellness Center Natatorium is more than just a pool, it’s a cornerstone for student life, a venue for regional meets, and a source of pride for Coyotes across the state. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, university leaders emphasized how this facility will “transform the student experience” and make Vermillion a destination for youth and collegiate athletics.
