The new 70,000-85,000 square foot Razorback basketball practice facility will include all operational components for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
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The University of Arkansas athletic department is moving forward with the next phase of its master facilities plan.
The department has issued RFQs for design and construction of three major projects: a basketball practice facility, a student-athlete success center and a baseball and track indoor training facility.
Athletics director Jeff Long said the additions are essential to the future success of the Razorbacks program.
“Our focus remains on providing student-athletes with the resources they need to win in the Southeastern Conference and nationally,” Long said in a statement. “We are grateful to the Donald. W. Reynolds Foundation and its chairman, Fred W. Smith, for their $1.25 million gift toward the student-athlete success center. We hope others will join them in financially supporting these projects that will benefit more than 460 student-athletes annually.”
UA officials said no university funds will be required to complete the projects which are set to be paid for entirely by athletic revenues, gifts, and bond proceeds from a future bond issue.
The university unveiled the $320 million master plan in October 2011 that includes renovations and additions for all 19 Razorback sports. The first major project on the list is a $40 million football operations center that is scheduled to be complete by summer 2013.
Basketball practice facility
Basketball practice facility
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The 70,000-85,000 square-foot basketball practice facility would include all operational components for the men’s and women’s basketball teams and would be located south of Leroy Pond Road, between Bogle Park and the Gardens, across from Bud Walton Arena.
The building will house separate gyms for the men’s and women’s teams. In addition to two full courts with side baskets, the building will house locker rooms for men and women, weight rooms, training rooms and associated office areas, coaching staff suites, meeting rooms, team lounge, and a museum.
The total cost of the basketball practice facility would be $20-25 million.
Student-athlete success center
Student-athlete success center
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The student-athlete success center would serve as the new home to the Bogle Academic Center and the department’s career development and student-athlete development programs.
The 47,000-58,000 square-foot facility would accommodate multiple learning environments and educational programs for the school’s 460 student-athletes and will include tutorial rooms, study areas, a computer lab, and several learning labs. It will also house a 500-seat auditorium, a dining hall, and offices for the sports psychologist, nutritionist, and student-athlete development staff.
The total cost of the student-athlete success center would be $18-23 million.
Baseball and track indoor training facility
Baseball and track indoor training facility
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The proposed location for the baseball and track indoor training facility is on the north side of the existing Randal Tyson Track Center.
The 40,000-45,000 square-foot facility would provide a climate-controlled practice space, including a practice infield, throwing area, batting areas, and ancillary team spaces. The facility could house all throwing events in SEC or NCAA Championships.
In addition, the facility would feature a shared strength and conditioning space and training room for both programs.
The total cost for the baseball and track indoor training facility would be $7.75-$9.625 million.
