Brown University Unveils State-of-the-Art Indoor Turf Complex
1/21/2026 10:59:00 AM | General
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Brown University ushered in a new era for its varsity and recreation programs on Wednesday with the opening of the Penner Field House, a state-of-the-art, shared-space facility designed to provide year-round training opportunities for student-athletes and the Brown Recreation community.
Penner Field House is a new structure that provides more than 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. The complex features a full-size synthetic turf field, high-performance lighting, and integrated filming platforms for coaching analysis. Field sports, along with club programs and intramural leagues, will utilize the space that includes two workout areas.Â
The facility's architecture includes translucent panels that allow natural light during the day while maintaining a consistent internal temperature. It also features sustainable water-management systems, aligning with the university's broader environmental goals.
The building is named the Penner Field House in recognition of a generous gift from the Penner Family Foundation, which is led by Brown parents Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner. The Penner Field House includes Sorensen-Mencoff Field, a 1.5-acre turf field, named in honor of Brown alumni and parents Joan Wernig Sorensen '72 and E. Paul Sorensen '71, Samuel M. Mencoff '78 and Ann S. Mencoff.Â
Penner Field House naming release
"The Penner Field House will be truly transformative for our athletics and recreation community, from our varsity student-athletes to the students engaged with recreation every day at Brown," Samuel M. Mencoff '78 Vice President for Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun said. "This special facility will support the competitive goals of our varsity teams and also allow our club teams, intramural leagues and other recreational groups to expand the many opportunities offered. This profoundly generous investment by the Penner family will positively impact the health, well-being and engagement of a large swath of the Brown community, and we couldn't be more grateful."
Photo Gallery | Facility Page | Open House Gallery
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