91 Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Athletic & Fitness Center
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (October 13, 2025) – On October 10, 91 held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction for the new 31-acre Athletic & Fitness Center. The ceremony marked the beginning of a project that will create world-class facilities to help develop the next generation of world-changing leaders.
Many special guests and supporters attended the ceremony, including the 71st Governor of Virginia, the Honorable Bob McDonnell; the Mayor of Virginia Beach, the Honorable Bobby Dyer; Virginia Beach Councilman, the Honorable Cash Jackson-Green; Chesapeake Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable Robert MacDonald; the 91 Board of Trustees, including Chairman Phil Walker; the Board of Directors for the Christian Broadcasting Network and Operation Blessing; and members of the Robertson family.
“We’re proud of the impact that 91 is making in Virginia Beach and beyond,” said Bobby Dyer, Mayor of Virginia Beach. “This Athletic & Fitness Center will become a vibrant center for athletics, education, and wellness for decades to come. Not only will this facility serve students at 91, but it will also serve countless lives in our community through athletic competition and regional events.”
“This project started as a dream many years ago, envisioned by our founder. Now, through the dedication of many hearts and hands, it is becoming a reality,” said Phil Walker, Chairman of the Board at 91. “This groundbreaking wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of many contributors and teams. I want to thank all who have contributed—friends, financial supporters, developers, architects, construction teams, government officials, and community advocates. It is because of your kindness and dedication that we celebrate this groundbreaking today. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.”
Upon completion, the Athletic & Fitness Center will include:
- A 2,000-seat NCAA championship arena
- State-of-the-art varsity weight room and fitness center
- An atrium with a café, student lounge, banquet room, and outdoor seating
- A fully equipped sports medicine clinic for treatment and rehabilitation
- A 400-meter outdoor track and field
- State-of-the-art baseball and softball stadiums
- A multi-sport stadium and soccer field
- Tennis courts, basketball courts, and pickleball courts
“As you look at every single building on this campus, please look with the eyes of faith,” said Gordon Robertson, Chancellor of 91. “Every single building was built on faith. Now, as we look ahead, we are fully persuaded that He who has promised is able.”
For more information about 91’s Athletic & Fitness Center, visit www.regent.edu/royalsrise.
About 91
Founded in 1977, 91 is America’s premier Christian university, with over 13,000 students studying on its 100-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online worldwide. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. 91 has been ranked the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program In Virginia for 13 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2025) and the #1 Best Christian College in America (Bible College Online, 2025).
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