This graphic depicts highlighted areas for the recently-announced “Aggie Ascent,” a $265-million project for the student-athlete experience. Graphic provided by UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - The University of California, Davis announced Aggie Ascent, a bold new facilities master plan that defines the next chapter for UC Davis Athletics.
 
Developed in partnership with ELS Architecture and Urban Design, Aggie Ascent represents the university's first unified vision for athletics infrastructure: one rooted in innovation, connection and long-term impact. The plan envisions dynamic athletics districts designed to enrich the student-athlete experience, enhance the fan journey and strengthen the department's long-term sustainability.
 
"As we transition into the Mountain West Conference, Aggie Ascent is about more than facilities; it's about aligning with the future of Division I athletics," said Rocko DeLuca, athletics director. "This plan captures the climb ahead of us and the belief that our student-athletes and fans deserve an experience that matches the excellence of UC Davis. Every project, from the stadium district to the golf center, represents a step forward and building something uniquely ours."
 
Aggie Ascent outlines a $265-million phased, gift-driven approach that allows UC Davis to advance projects as leadership gifts and partnerships are secured. Early priorities include revenue-generating and high-impact facilities that expand community engagement and elevate game-day atmosphere.

The UC Davis Health Stadium lays out a reimagined fan experience anchored by new premium seating, suites and a hospitality concourse. The $50-million expansion will include a special event space to be used year-round by the university community.

The Woody Wilson Track and Field Complex will see a new NCAA-compliant, eight-lane facility with west-facing spectator seating, integrating all events, including throws, into a single venue with an option to add team spaces and restrooms with a total cost of $14.5 million.

Also expected is a 350-yard driving range featured at the Golf Training Center, with short game and putting greens that will have dual roles serving the university’s golf programs as well as the surrounding communities. The anticipated project cost is $18.7 million. 

Future phases will expand and elevate baseball, soccer and the University Credit Union Center venues. A new softball stadium with locker rooms, team spaces and fan amenities will join the golf training center to transform south campus as LaRue Field has been designated for redevelopment after 2035.
 
"Our campus has always been defined by progress," said Chancellor Gary S. May. "Aggie Ascent captures that forward momentum by combining thoughtful design, sustainable growth and a commitment to student success. It reflects the same excellence that defines UC Davis across academics, research and innovation."
 
Head football coach Tim Plough emphasized the importance of facilities in shaping a competitive and holistic student-athlete experience.

"Aggie Ascent is a statement about where this program is headed," said Plough. "We talk all the time about controlling what we can control, preparation, attitude, effort; and this plan is the facilities version of that mindset. It's a commitment to giving our student-athletes every resource they need to be at their best and to providing our fans with a game-day experience that matches the pride they bring to our sporting events."
 
Said Clarence Mamuyac, chairman of ELS Architecture and Urban Design, "From the outset, our team worked collaboratively with a shared vision: to bring UC Davis Athletics together by organizing its teams, sports and venues across 5,300 acres into two distinct Aggie Districts, East and West. This approach creates a more connected and integrated athletics experience for the entire UC Davis campus community. Aggie Ascent is about uniting athletics and campus life through design that honors place, celebrates sustainability and fosters pride, while positioning UC Davis for success for generations to come."
 
Aggie Ascent will move forward as private support and strategic partnerships are secured. Each project represents an opportunity for leadership donors to make a lasting impact, from naming opportunities at UC Davis Health Stadium to foundational investments in the Golf Center and South Campus Gateway.

"As we climb together, Aggie Ascent is both a plan and a promise," DeLuca said. "A promise that UC Davis Athletics will continue to rise with facilities that inspire, programs that compete and a community that believes the best is still ahead."
 
UC Davis, the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked Number One in agriculture and forestry as well as Number One in veterinary medicine, UC Davis is located in a California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. More than 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026.
 
ELS Architecture and Urban Design is a nationally-recognized design firm headquartered in Berkeley, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. The firm specializes in campus planning and design for campus life, athletics, sports and recreation, as well as performing arts and large assembly spaces. ELS has delivered award-winning projects for leading institutions, including Stanford University, USC, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, along with numerous municipalities across California. Recent honors include an AIA California Design Award for the Canada College project and recognition at Climate Week NYC - 2025 for pioneering all-electric design strategies that advance zero greenhouse gas emissions.
 
For more information, visit AggieAscent.com.