University's largest residence hall features 718 beds, state-of-the-art esports facility, modern amenities
Belmont University today dedicated its newest and largest residence building, welcoming students for the 2025-2026 school year. Betty Wiseman Hall provides scenic views of the Nashville skyline and will house 718 students in both suite-style and apartment settings, marking it as the largest residence hall in University history. The 300,000 square foot, $133 million project, designed by ESa and constructed by R.C. Matthews, continues Belmont's partnership with these longstanding University collaborators.
The building's thoughtfully designed layout supports students throughout their college journey: half of the complex houses first year students in premium suite-style rooms, while the other half accommodates upperclassmen in apartments. Among its standout features is a 3,100 square foot state-of-the-art esports facility featuring 25 PC stations, ten 80-inch TVs, gaming consoles and flexible space for both casual and competitive gaming. This premier esports lounge includes raised flooring, customizable RGB LED lighting zones, and can be reconfigured for tournament play with audience seating and commentary areas. Additional amenities in the building include dedicated laundry rooms, a grab-and-go food service outlet and a 24-hour convenience store.
"Today's dedication of Betty Wiseman Hall celebrates both Belmont’s past and future,” said University President Dr. Greg Jones. “The hall provides living environments that support our students at every stage of their journey — from first-year students building community in suite-style rooms to upperclassmen developing independence in apartments. The state-of-the-art esports facility and modern amenities create spaces where students can connect and build meaningful relationships. We're committed to providing campus housing that enhances the overall student experience and supports the whole person, and Wiseman Hall represents an important step in fulfilling that vision."
The building honors Betty "Belmont Betty" Wiseman, a pioneering force in women's collegiate athletics who founded Belmont's Women's Basketball program in 1968, one of the first collegiate women's teams and four years before Title IX. After graduating from Belmont in 1965, Wiseman joined faculty as an instructor of physical education and health. With determination and limited resources, she established a basketball program built on dedication and excellence, creating a legacy that still influences Belmont athletics today.
Beyond the court, Wiseman's impact extends globally through her creation of Belmont's Sports Ministry program, which has enabled hundreds of student-athletes to serve abroad and to connect such service to faith. Her contributions to athletics have been widely recognized through her induction into multiple halls of fame including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Belmont University Athletics Hall of Fame and Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame.
"Betty’s influence on Belmont extends far beyond the basketball court,” added Jones. “As a pioneer, educator and person of deep faith, she exemplifies the values we hope to instill in every Belmont student. This residence hall bearing her name will serve as a daily reminder of her transformative achievements and servant leadership. We are proud to honor her legacy with a facility that will shape student experiences for generations to come."
Wiseman Hall demonstrates Belmont's continued commitment to providing students with a Christ-centered, residential experience. The new hall adds to Belmont's growing residential capacity, creating spaces that support both academic success and relationship-building, enhancing the holistic student experience that is central to Belmont's mission.