Game-Ready Facilities For Vanderbilt University Athletics

The Budd Group Helps Vanderbilt University ATHLETICS

The Problem

Given the success of Vanderbilt University’s sports programs, managing their busy athletic facilities can be extremely challenging, especially during high-visibility events and back-to-back competitions. Prior to partnering with The Budd Group, Vanderbilt relied on a mix of internal support and multiple facility services vendors, creating a lack of ownership of work and inconsistent results.

“There was no question that we needed one group responsible for everything,” said Tom Howard, Associate Athletics Director for Vanderbilt. “We had times where we’d come in after a Saturday game and the facility was not ready for Sunday. We couldn’t always count on things being cleaned up.”

Vanderbilt University Athletics faced several challenges that made janitorial services difficult to manage effectively.

Our Solution

Vanderbilt selected The Budd Group to consolidate services under one accountable partner supported by a clearly defined on-site management structure. The Budd Group prepares venues for competition, supports events in real time, and restores facilities post-event, often overnight, so spaces are ready for the next day.

“The on-site management has been the difference compared to other vendors I’ve worked with,” Howard explained. “There’s a structure in place, clear ownership, and managers who are easy to communicate with and easy to work with.”

That structure includes separate leadership for event operations and overnight support, reducing communication gaps and ensuring consistency.

“Having one group on-site owning those different aspects has made a real difference,” Howard added.

The Budd Group also introduced automation to support routine cleaning tasks, including robots in select facilities such as the Davis Williams Recreation Center. The robotics deployment has enhanced efficiency while reinforcing Vanderbilt’s culture of innovation.

“This is the first robot I’ve seen deployed at Vanderbilt,” said Kenny Moore, Director of the Davis Williams Recreation Center. “Deploying technology and innovation is huge, and it’s been great to see The Budd Group invest in that direction.”

“They’re always available, always responsive, and they’re a great partner that factors into the overall success of our program.”

Moore noted that robots handle routine tasks such as vacuuming first- and second-floor areas, freeing team members to focus on more complex and rewarding work.

“It’s not about replacing people. It’s about making them more efficient,” Moore said.

The presence of robotics has also generated excitement across campus.

“People find the novelty of the robot exciting in itself,” Moore added. “It’s fun to see where this technology can go as it becomes more efficient and capable.”

The Results

Key benefits delivered:

The Budd Group’s structured approach ensures facilities are consistently clean and ready for games and events.
Dedicated on-site management creates defined ownership and eliminates gaps in responsibility to improve overall cleaning performance.
The Budd Group works closely with Vanderbilt’s facility and event managers to provide proactive and responsive support.
By handling repetitive tasks, robotics improve cleaning efficiency while allowing team members to focus on higher-value cleaning tasks.
Lower employee turnover has improved familiarity with facility expectations

After nearly a decade of working with multiple providers, Howard points to one defining success factor: “The key difference I can point to is the on-site structure and support. That’s what makes everything come together.”