Kentucky to build $45M football training facility
By Jeff Adcox
The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has approved UK Athletics’ $45-million project to build a new football training facility adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium and the Nutter Field House.
“We are so excited to get this project started and I am thankful to all of those involved,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “Once again, this is an indication of the great commitment from our administration and our supporters who are making this happen. This facility is already helping us in recruiting and will play a key role in the future of Kentucky football.”
The University Athletics Committee approved the initial proposal today, followed by the Finance Committee. The proposal will now be submitted to the Council on Postsecondary Education and the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee for authorization at their February 2014 meetings.
“As we continue to make a commitment to improving all of our facilities, this is a significant step for our football program,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics. “I’m very appreciative of the donors who are stepping up to help with this project. We look forward to completing the funding and design process.”
The project, which will be constructed with private funds, will build a new training facility along with two practice fields and a drill area behind the east endzone of Commonwealth Stadium. The two-story facility will include locker spaces, team meeting areas, training areas, high performance and weight room space, equipment rooms, a hydrotherapy room and a media room. Construction will begin when plans are finalized with a goal of completion prior to the 2016 season.
The project joins a $110-million reinvention of Commonwealth Stadium announced in November 2013