Athletic Business Names Montana State University Student Wellness Center a Facility of Merit
The Athletic Business Facilities of Merit program showcases the 10 most impressive athletics, fitness and recreation facilities for their outstanding design, functionality and community impact.
The October 2026 issue of Athletic Business highlights its 46th annual Facilities of Merit awards, naming the Montana State University Student Wellness Center in Bozeman, Montana, as one of the top 10 facilities worldwide. Selected from a pool of 50 submissions, this year’s honorees represent a diverse range of projects united by their thoughtful response to their environments.
Designed by RDG Planning & Design in collaboration with MMW Architects, the 192,400-SF Student Wellness Center brings together recreation, fitness and wellness amenities in a cohesive campus destination. The facility features a climbing gym, multipurpose activity courts, fitness areas, functional training spaces, an indoor swimming pool and social gathering areas. A central organizing spine connects the building’s distinct spaces, creating an intuitive experience that supports a wide range of student activities and fosters a sense of belonging.
Judges praised the project for its thoughtful response to Montana State University's campus and surrounding landscape, highlighting the building’s ability to balance diverse functions within a unified design. One juror described it as “a remarkably well-executed and carefully considered design response,” while another noted how the project’s material palette and architectural expression reflect the character of the surrounding landscape, creating a strong sense of identity.
Facilities of Merit winners will be recognized for their achievement during a ceremony on November 18, 2026, at the Athletic Business Show 2026 in Orlando, Florida.