Aggie Ascent charts the next phase of UC Davis Athletics, aimed at building on momentum and accelerating our success.
The plan is designed to elevate the student-athlete experience, strengthen campus connections to athletics, and enhance event opportunities across UC Davis. Implementation is expected to unfold in phases over the next several years, based on philanthropic support.
We’re interested to hear from our teammates, fans, and stakeholders throughout UC Davis. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about this plan so far, including funding sources and potential timeline considerations. Stay tuned for more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How will the projects detailed in Aggie Ascent be funded?
- The projects will be funded through philanthropic gifts, naming opportunities, corporate sponsorships, athletics department resources and, if needed, potential debt or the issuance of bonds.
- What is the timeline for the projects in Aggie Ascent?
- UC Davis is working on a multi‑phase schedule that aligns with athletic, academic, donor and infrastructure milestones. While specific start and completion dates will depend on fundraising, permitting, and logistics, the goal is to complete all aspects of the plan over a span of eight years.
- How will these projects impact the campus and community?
Aggie Ascent is designed to benefit more than Intercollegiate Athletics — it’s an investment in the broader UC Davis experience. Several projects include shared-use spaces that will serve the entire campus and surrounding community.
The new football facility, for example, will feature one of the largest banquet venues on campus, with an on-site commercial kitchen capable of supporting up to 300 events a year — enhancing both the quality and efficiency for non-athletic campus gatherings.
Similarly, the new baseball and soccer complex will include a versatile mid-size event space, ideal for meetings, receptions, and special events.
Beyond the facilities themselves, Aggie Ascent will improve pedestrian connectivity, enhance the campus arrival experience, and strengthen the visual and functional integration between Intercollegiate Athletics and the UC Davis campus. Together, these improvements will create new opportunities for connection, celebration, and shared pride across the Aggie community.
- Why did UC Davis elect to focus on these projects now?
UC Davis Athletics has built extraordinary momentum in recent years — record attendance, increased ticket sales, strong fundraising, and growing fan engagement — all while reaching new levels of competitive success. Like the broader UC Davis campus, Intercollegiate Athletics has grown in leaps and bounds, and we’re ready to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience.
Joining the Mountain West Conference marks a defining moment in the Aggies’ trajectory, and these facilities are the next essential step to meet the competitive standard of what comes next.
UC Davis has always done more with less. Now, it’s time to invest with intent in the spaces and resources that our student-athletes and fans deserve. These projects will empower Aggie teams to consistently compete for championships, enhance the fan experience, and sustain the upward climb that defines the Aggie Ascent.
The decision to focus on the projects detailed in Aggie Ascent was based on immediate need, cost, fundraising potential, impact on student-athletes and fans, and several other factors.
- Will there be any updates made to athletics facilities not on this list?
- Yes. Aggie Ascent addresses major renovations to critical athletics facilities for select sports, but it is likely that several smaller projects will be conducted simultaneously impacting other sports. Aggie Athletics will continue to make updates at all sporting facilities based on upkeep needs, new donor funded initiatives and any changing sport requirements.
- Will construction impact home games at UC Davis Health Stadium or at other athletic venues?
At this time, they will not. It is the expectation that home games for the football program will continue at UC Davis Health Stadium as scheduled throughout construction. Intercollegiate Athletics will work in close coordination with campus officials to ensure uninterrupted operation of our stadium and practice fields. If any temporary changes or relocations become necessary, those will be communicated.
Some support areas may be phased or temporarily relocated at select facilities but the commitment is that no team will lose access to necessary facilities, resources, and updates throughout construction.
- How will the fan experience improve?
- Each athletic facility plan is unique, but all were developed with enhancing the fan experience in mind. Across the projects, there will be enhanced restrooms, an increase in concessions, improved concourse circulation, adding premium seating and hospitality spaces, additional shade, digital signage, and improved arrival zones.
- Will this project increase ticket prices or fees for fans or students?
- There is no plan to increase ticket prices specifically related to the projects in Aggie Ascent. No student fees will be used to complete the projects.
- Who can I contact for more information?
- Please contact the Intercollegiate Athletics Advancement team at championaggiesclub@ucdavis.edu or sign up for updates here.
