wide shot of walter fieldhouse indoor space for club sports
Walter Fieldhouse
One Field. Endless Possibilities.

Walter Fieldhouse

Completed in 2014, the Walter Fieldhouse is Campus Recreation's newest facility. The 93,750 square foot indoor multipurpose pavilion houses a 100-yard AstroTurf football field with two 10-yard end zones, two All-American scoreboards, a 4-lane, 316 meter practice track, long jump and pole vault pits, golf and hitting cages, two filming platforms and a netting system that can accommodate multiple and simultaneous events. The Walter Fieldhouse is used for academic classes, OHIO Athletics, Marching 110 practices, Army and Air Force ROTC training, and Intramural and Club Sports.

The Walter Fieldhouse is a reservation-only facility. For reservation questions or to place a facility reservation request, please contact recreservations@ohio.edu or 740.593.9926.

What To Expect When Visiting The Walter Fieldhouse

Walter Fieldhouse Staff

Fieldhouse staff members are all CPR/First Aid/AED certified student employees. Staff will always be located at the front desk and can be located around the facility for assistance. Please contact a Fieldhouse staff member for all medical or facility support. 

First Aid & Emergency Supplies

First Aid supplies are available, please contact a Fieldhouse staff member for assistance. 2 AEDs are available, 1 at each end of the facility. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the building. Visible and audible fire alarm systems are installed. 

Photography and Video

All individuals requesting video or photography must obtain a permit. Permits can be obtained by emailing campusrec@ohio.edu.

Animals and Pets

Animals and pets are not permitted inside the Walter Fieldhouse. Exceptions include service animals and service dogs in training (4PAWS). For more information, please visit the University Service Animal Information Page. 

Food and Drink

Outside food and beverage not permitted other than for special event reservations- Food and beverage permits are required for all special events. A bottle filler and water fountain are available inside the facility.

Accessibility Entrance/Exit

Facility entrance/exit doors equipped with automatic door opening buttons. Individuals must enter and exit through the front lobby of the Walter Fieldhouse.

Restrooms

Accessible men’s, women’s, and family restrooms with baby changing stations and showers available.

Parking

There are 2 nearby parking lot options (133 & 134) Lot 134 has paid parking available through a kiosk or ParkMobile and both Lots 133 & 134 are available for community parking after 5pm M-F and all-day Saturday & Sunday- valid University permits are required at all other times. Lot 133 is the closest distance to the front entrance of the Walter Fieldhouse via a concrete sidewalk. Accessible parking spaces are available in each lot (3 in Lot 133 and 8 in Lot 134 closer to Walter Hall). Please note that lot closures may occur during Ohio University special events. To review a campus parking map, please visit the Athens Campus Parking Map. 

Facility Temperatures

The Walter Fieldhouse is not an air conditioned facility- garage doors may be open and fans will be turned on during warm weather conditions. The facility is heated.

Seating

The Walter Fieldhouse does not have any seating available. Patrons may bring their own chairs during events- all chairs must remain on the track. Tables and chairs are not permitted on the turf field. 

Disclaimer: It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Walter Fieldhouse Policies

Facility Policies

  • Alcohol, non-prescription drugs, and tobacco products are NOT permitted.
  • Food and drinks permitted in the lobby area only. No food or drinks other than water are permitted in the facility.
  • Absolutely no chewing tobacco, coffee, gum, or sunflower seeds.
  • Picture taking and/or videotaping is only permissible after obtaining written permission from the Director of the Walter Fieldhouse.
  • Facility staff members are the only people permitted to operate the netting and lighting system.
  • A modification of equipment or netting beyond its designed purpose is prohibited.
  • Injuries, accidents, or equipment failures must be reported immediately to the facility staff. Incident & Accident/Injury reports must be completed in entirety.
  • Campus Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Personal belongings are not permitted in activity areas and should be kept in a secure location. All lost and found items must be turned in to the front desk.
  • Please consult a physician prior to engaging in physical activity. Campus Recreation is not responsible for accidents or injuries that occur due to the nature of the activity.
  • Molded cleats and athletic shoes only on the turf. No metal or non-turf cleats.
  • No spikes permitted on the track. Closed-toe athletic tennis shoes only.
  • No sharp objects including tent stakes, corner flags, or any other objects that can penetrate the surface of the field are permitted on the turf.
  • Conduct becoming of an Ohio University student and Walter Fieldhouse is expected and required.
  • Any individual and/or organization not fully complying with the Walter Fieldhouse policies and guidelines or cooperating with the Walter Fieldhouse staff may be asked to vacate the premises and may have their privileges revoked.
  • No bicycles, rollerblades, mopeds, or pets (not including service animals) are permitted inside the Walter Fieldhouse. There are bike racks close by in the NW corner for your convenience.
  • No gas fueled vehicles inside the facility. Electric only.
  • No kicking, hitting, or bouncing balls against the wall.
  • Nets must be down when balls are being thrown or kicked. No throwing or kicking balls outside of nets.
  • Members are prohibited from any Ohio University Athletic equipment including long jump pit, pole vault mats, hurdles, football equipment, etc.
  • During inclement weather, participants must clean or bring a change of shoes before entering the facility.
  • No punting, kicking, hitting balls into the ceilings.
  • Always carry, wheel, or cart nets or goals over the track. Do not drag, as it will tear into the track.
  • If any vomit or bodily fluids get on any surface of the facility, please alert the Fieldhouse staff immediately. Do not attempt to clean yourself.
  • No minor under the age of 18 is allowed to enter the facility. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Vaulting/High jump and sand pits are not available for general use unless prior approval has been arranged through the Director.

Track Rules

  • Run and/or walk clockwise on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
  • Run and/or walk counterclockwise on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
  • Inner two lanes are reserved for walkers (slow).
  • Outer two lanes are reserved for runners (fast).
  • Faster runners have the right of way.
  • Pass others on the outside.
  • Appropriate attire includes: full-length, non-mesh t-shirt with sleeves; soft-soled, closed toe athletic shoes; athletic bottoms.
  • Athletic running shoes are required.
  • Jogging track is available unless otherwise posted.
  • Lane 1 = 5.2 laps per mile (306.7 meters)
  • Light Pink, Competition Turn Lane = 5.05 laps per mile (316.9 meters)