The Tulane University Green Wave Indoor Practice Facility, nicknamed “the Bubble,” officially opened on Feb. 24.  

David Harris, Ben Weiner director of athletics chair, Tulane football linebacker Makai Williamson and senior women’s bowler Mia Stolakis were featured in the facility’s grand opening.  

“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in athletics and our dedication to providing the best resources for our coaches, student-athletes and staff,” Harris said.  

The practice facility has a 60-foot tall, inflatable and removable cover. The field is about 75 to 80 yards long, with an end zone at one end and field posts suspended from the ceiling.  

“I’m really excited. It’s also just beautiful. Just looking around turf is really nice, [it’s] the same turf that we use on our game field,” Williamson said in his event speech. “It’s really helpful, the fact that it’s a five-minute walk, that really helps a lot.” 

This opening follows the expansion of the Reily Student Recreation Center Natatorium and openings of the Libby and Robert Alexander Community Sailing Center and the Goldring Tennis Center. 

“This facility is the latest in a series of major transformational projects and upgrades we have made to the university’s athletic complex to ensure that our student-athletes have the resources to continue to compete at the highest levels,” President Mike Fitts said in a press release.  

“Our student-athletes are the best and they deserve the best,” Patrick Norton, Tulane’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, said. “Facilities such as this show that our commitment to Green Wave athletics is stronger than ever.”