Ground was broken January 29, 2003, for the Toby and Brenda McKenzie Athletic Center, which extends from the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center southward and which allowed for the expansion of the Robert E. White Indoor Practice Field from 70 to 100 yards. The entry floor was to include the Douglas A. Dickey Hall of Champions. The second and third levels housed development and marketing operations, and the top floor housed Athletic Department administration. The new facility was planned to become the new primary entrance to the athletics program.
Naming of the facility was to recognize the $4 million contribution of the McKenzies (from Cleveland, Tennessee) to the Athletic Department’s Step Up campaign in 2000. Brenda Lawson and Toby McKenzie were divorced and split the pledge in half. She paid her $2 million in full, but he filed for bankruptcy in early January 2009 before completing his pledge. His name was removed from the building in late January, and the building was redesigned as the Brenda Lawson Athletic Center. McKenzie’s contributions were recognized by naming the broadcast area on the mezzanine of the facility for him.
Architects for the facility were McCarty Holsaple McCarty and Cope & Associates, both of Knoxville. General contractor for the project was Rouse Construction.