Bahna Wrestling Center

SIZE: 18,000 square feet total
CONSTRUCTED: 2009
DEDICATED: October 23, 2009

Opened in January 2009, the 18,000-square-foot Bahna Wrestling Center houses comprehensive training and support facilities for the Cliff Keen Wrestling Club and Wolverine wrestling program. One of only two stand-alone collegiate wrestling training facilities in the country, the Bahna Wrestling Center features 7,500 square feet of mat space, locker rooms, coaches offices, an athletic training room with a separate hydrotherapy room and a second-floor strength-and-conditioning area.

Three 50×50 Resilite mats, featuring both collegiate and freestyle layouts, provide 7,500 square feet of total wrestling space. Each mat has video-recording equipment and a 62-inch flat-screen TV for film breakdown. Bleacher seating is available for spectators, while cardio equipment occupies the east and west walls overlooking the mats.

The Bahna Wrestling Center features two separate locker rooms. The Wolverines’ locker room features 35 custom-made maple lockers, 10 wall showers, bathroom facilities and an adjoining nutritional juice bar. The adjacent team lounge provides the wrestlers space to unwind and catch up on studying. Wrapped in two shades of maple, the lounge includes a flat-screen TV equipped with satellite television, a DVD player, Playstation 3, surround-sound speakers as well as leather couches, a dual conference table/ping-pong table and a workstation with two computers.

Connected to the Wolverines’ locker room, the training room boasts the latest equipment for injury management and rehabilitation. It is equipped with three taping tables, treatment area and a separate hydrotherapy room with hot and cold plunge tubs.

Highlighting the facility’s second floor, the 3,500-square-foot strength and conditioning area overlooks the mats and includes eight racks, an extensive range of dumbbells, a plyometric area, core stability equipment as well as additional weight and cardio machinery.

Visitors to the facility are greeted by a spacious lobby that features a Hall of Fame showcase and interactive video kiosk. Wrapped in two shades of maple, the lobby provides direct access to the coaches’ office suite, team lounge and mat space.

The facility is named in honor of former Michigan wrestler Ralph Bahna (1962-64) and his wife, Dorothy as the Bahnas provided the lead gift to build the Michigan wrestling center. A three-year letterwinner, Bahna was a member of two Big Ten Championship squads under legendary coach Cliff Keen. He captured the Big Ten 123-pound title as a senior in 1964. Bahna is currently chairman of priceline.com and the chairman and founder of Club Quarters, a new chain of private hotels in big city centers.