GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Construction crews started to demolish McKethan Stadium two years ago. The University Athletic Association had a topping-off ceremony to mark the placement of the entrance beam last summer. And over the past year, the gleaming new showcase of Florida's football program has morphed from a long-standing vision into reality.
The Gators finally move into their new Heavener Football Training Center on Sunday. The $85 million, 142,000 square-foot training center instantly becomes the crown jewel of UF athletics facilities and serves as a cover model for recruiting efforts and a home away from home for the players.
"A lot of time, energy and certainly investment from a lot of our supporters was made into really improving our facility," Gators head coach
Billy Napier said this week. "Everyone wants to talk about recruiting when it comes to the facility, but I think it's more important to our player experience. It screams commitment and certainly the efficiency of how we're going to be able to improve as an organization.
"Time is of the essence and I think the new facility is going to create more efficiency for everyone involved."
While the UF football team will begin working from the building Sunday, there are punch-list items that need to be done before the end of the month. The facility will be open to the rest of UF's student-athletes closer to the first day of classes.
The facility features a striking front-quadrant portion that will be open to all UF student-athletes and includes a dining hall, lounge area, barber shop, virtual reality room, gaming and golf center, as well as resort-style pool area (65,000 gallons) with basketball courts and multipurpose lawn and volleyball areas.
Meanwhile, the building is not only home to state-of-the-art weight and training areas (13,000 square feet worth, all attached to the Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility), but a place where all UF student-athletes can come and socialize. That said, the facility's primary purpose is to modernize the football program's workplace and allow the team to move from the antiquated designated football space in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Sixth-year senior linebacker
Ventrell Miller is grateful to still be around for the opening and to experience what the facility will offer.
"I think it's just going to light a fire,'' Miller said. "I feel like anytime you get something new you're always happy to check it out and see what it's about. They've been telling me that it's going to be here since I'm a freshman. They got basketball courts, pools out there, and the training room is going to be much better. I like everything about it."
The team's main locker room on game day will still be at the stadium, but the Heavener Center was designed to allow the team to operate at the highest level of efficiency relative to logistics.
The project has been a focal point for Gators Athletic Director
Scott Stricklin, and after years of planning, fundraising and building, Sunday opens a new era for the football program.
"The Heavener Training Center will be a special home facility for the University of Florida's football program and all of our student-athletes, and it took support and dedication from a lot of individuals to make it a reality,'' said UF Athletic Director
Scott Stricklin. "It's a tangible demonstration that we are committed to investing in our student-athletes and enhancing their experience at UF. Without our boosters, this project wouldn't have been possible, and we're grateful for the way they've helped this vision come to life. The individuals on campus, here in the UAA and within the crews that brought the Heavener Center to life are too many to name, but we appreciate the level of pride and care that went into planning and executing every detail."
Offensive lineman
Michael Tarquin is eager to get settled into the new building before the season starts. Like his teammates, he has watched the facility rise from the ground the past two years and relished the opportunity to call it home.
"I personally can't wait,'' Tarquin said. "It's something that I've seen since I've been a recruit in high school and I know all the other guys I've played with; we can't wait. I think it's going to be a game-changer. There are a lot of great things that are going to be in that facility and they are going to help us a lot to perform at a high level.
"Perfect setup. We don't have to worry about walking all the way over to practice anymore. Everything is right there."
Once the final details are completed on the inside, the UAA plans to host a media tour of the facility at a later date.
