Friedman Wrestling Center

* Friedman Wrestling Center Emergency Action Plan

The Friedman Wrestling Center, home of Cornell Wrestling, stands as the nation’s first-ever stand-alone collegiate wrestling facility and remains a benchmark for excellence in the sport. Originally opened in 2002 through the generosity of alumni Stephen Friedman ’59 and Barbara Benioff Friedman ’59, the Center underwent a significant renovation and expansion in 2019–20 to meet the evolving needs of one of the most successful programs in NCAA wrestling.

A concert-quality sound system runs throughout the building, with special attention paid to the practice area and weight room. Spectacular arched windows flood the facility with natural light, creating a welcoming and energizing environment. For dual meets, the retractable bleachers of Niemand Arena are extended down to the competition mat, providing intimate, high-impact seating for up to 1,000 wrestling fans. This distinctive configuration, paired with the advanced sound and lighting systems, creates an electric atmosphere with spectators surrounding the mat.

Following the expansion, the Friedman Wrestling Center now boasts over 17,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space dedicated exclusively to wrestling. The facility features a dramatically expanded training area with full-length mats, a cutting-edge strength and conditioning room, enhanced locker rooms, and a modern student-athlete lounge and film study space. A new Gallery of Champions celebrates Cornell Wrestling’s storied history and honors its many NCAA champions, All-Americans, and Ivy League titles.

The renovation and expansion were made possible entirely through philanthropy, led by a transformative gift from Steve and Barbara Friedman ’59. Several newly named spaces honor generous alumni supporters, including:

Smith Family Strength & Conditioning Center (Scott Smith ’79)
Russo Family Alumni Room (David Russo ’82 and Mary Gail Gearns, JD ’85)
David R. Dunlop `59 Gallery of Champions (friends of Dave Dunlop)
Mormile Family Hydrotherapy Room (Mike Mormile ’06)
Sports Medicine Room (Johnie Cvetic ’86)
Wrestler’s Entrance (Pat Welch ’85)
Study Suite (Dave Wechsler ’60)
Tradition Gallery (Dr. Bobby MacDonald ’81)
Coaches Meeting and Reception Room (Ryan Carrigan ’96)

The Center also houses coaches’ offices and support spaces that foster daily collaboration and mentoring, helping to sustain the program’s culture of excellence. Designed to inspire and built to compete at the highest level, the Friedman Wrestling Center continues to play a critical role in developing champions — on and off the mat.