Herb Sims Center in Need of Improvements

Coaches and students at Bluefield University have been advocating for improvements to the Herb Sims Wellness Center, but have not had much success.

Located on Stadium Drive near the university’s main campus and adjacent to Mitchell Stadium, the Herb Sims Wellness Center is a strength training facility for BU’s athletic programs. The weight center is equipped with weight equipment, multiple sets of weights, and additional training tools. The facility also houses a 1,200 seat auditorium with a basketball court and stage, as well as offices for BU football coaches.

There are some areas of the facility that coaches and students say need improvement, but according to BU athletic director and vice president for student development Corey Mullins, when that might happen is uncertain.

“To my knowledge there is not a plan for budgeted improvements to the Sims Center currently in play,” Mullins said.

The university leases the facility from the City of Bluefield, and currently there are no plans for future development by either the City of Bluefield or Bluefield University. Mullins believes that the Sims Center is an important part of the Bluefield Athletic Department and the BU student experience as a whole and has served to help “grow the athletic department and campus community, while meeting facility needs for operations.”

The lack of funds available for improvements and no plans from the City of Bluefield to address needs doesn’t mean the Sims Center is not improving, Mullins said. Coaches have recently pitched in to help make improvements, and Mullins said there are other plans to make the Sims Center more useful.

“From a student development perspective, we are looking for ways to use the Herbs Sims Center as a student life space that is vital for student engagement,” he said. “We will continue to work with the City (of Bluefield) and pursue funding opportunities to make enhancements to the facility.”