New Practice Facility

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smithmn

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I have heard ramblings that we are definitely looking to build a brand new practice facility to accomadate the Gopher's and Tubby Smith's wishes. I'm just wondering what the chances are of this facility actually getting built, if so, when? And any other details anyone would know at this point, such as where it would be, what it would all include (weight room, training room, etc.). I apologize if nothing is really known at this point, just thought I would ask considering all the inside info a lot of guys have that are on this site! Thanks!

I am really hoping we can get this project done. Great facilities are a huge recruiter. The Barn is legendary, but it's not the best place to practice every day. I really think we could draw some more kids in and really make Tubby happy.
 

This is further down the road than most of us know. Tubby had been in town for less than 3 months and the Athletic Department was getting architectural plans drawn up for the new practice facility. I assume that they (the Athletic Department) would need to have plans in hand to show to the "Deep Pockets" and get the ball rolling.

What has been relayed to me is that the practice facility is not a situation of "if it will happen". It's a "when it will happen". Why everything is still happening relatively quietly must mean that there are certain hurdles to overcome. Zoning? Not sure. I don't have any info or expertise in that area.
 

I've been saying it over and over again since January, but this facility IS happening. Even before panic gripped Gold Country over Coach Smith's possible depature, this project was in the works. There is a significant amount of money already, though this isn't being announced publicly at this point. As for the delay, these things just take time. There are numerous things that need to be set before the athletic dept. goes public with plans. Just because there's not a ton of news out there doesn't mean it's not happening.
 

There has been a lot of talk about how a new practice facility will improve recruiting, but I haven't heard much discussion about how it could benefit the players that are already on the team. Currently the players have do their lifting and conditioning at Mariucci and then go somewhere else to practice. I'm not saying that it will be a huge impact but it will make a difference.
 

I'd like to add that not only will it help the student athletes but I also believe this will improve the fan experience in Williams (if they do this right). Put it along University Ave all along Williams arena and the Pavillion and you instantly can create 'extra' room for concessions, club, restrooms and team store in addition to the practice facility. It becomes a state of the art extension of Wiliams Arena. A good mix of new and the old.
 


GoGopher, that is an excellent idea and surely will be incorporated into the opportunity to build new by the old. The best of both worlds. For me, several hundred miles away, I'm just anxious for the team to be able to practice shooting. What a blessing that will be!
 

I was wandering around Williams and noticed what a great sports complex we have growing. I usually sneak in from stadium village but had a clinic to attend at the field house and so took a walk around. Adding a practice facility would add nicely to that. It's beginning to look quite impressive. They should pretty up the field house too by the way. The inside is quite functional but with all the great new building around it's not quite up to par on the outside.
 

weezy said:
Currently the players have do their lifting and conditioning at Mariucci and then go somewhere else to practice. I'm not saying that it will be a huge impact but it will make a difference.
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Wouldn't the walk across the street to lift weights be a form of conditioning?
 

Foot quickness

Maximus said:
Wouldn't the walk across the street to lift weights be a form of conditioning?
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Dodging traffic on 4th street would surely improve foot quickness and could help rid ourselves of slow footed scholarship athletes ! :)
 



Schnoodler said:
They should pretty up the field house too by the way. The inside is quite functional but with all the great new building around it's not quite up to par on the outside.
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No Joke.

Actually the field house is slated for future demolition, followed by on-site replacement or moving the indoor track somewhere else.

The Rec Center is also going through plans to expand. Plus this new practice facility is on its way, allegedly.

Dont be surprised if some of these projects are planned and packaged together.
 

I'm whipping up something special for this thread not sure when it will be ready but trust me it will be very cool.
 

Section201 said:
Dodging traffic on 4th street would surely improve foot quickness and could help rid ourselves of slow footed scholarship athletes ! :)
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How monsterous.. My vote to nominate Section201 as our future AD!
 

I accept !

GoFerit said:
How monsterous.. My vote to nominate Section201 as our future AD!
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Do I hear a second?

My first act will be to announce the groundbreaking of our new hoops practice facility next to Williams Arena.

That way our slow footed Gophers wont have to play "Frogger" on 4th street !

:clap: :clap: :clap:
 



What is the process involved at Minnesota in regards to funding? At UK, even when no state money is involved, the Legislature has to pass a bill authorizing the project in regards to bond issues and construction. Is that true in Minnesota? One of the holdups right now towards the 500 Million Athletic Facilities project is that the bill is still in Committee in the Senate and hasn't even gotten to the House yet for a vote.
 

The Truth said:
What is the process involved at Minnesota in regards to funding? At UK, even when no state money is involved, the Legislature has to pass a bill authorizing the project in regards to bond issues and construction. Is that true in Minnesota? One of the holdups right now towards the 500 Million Athletic Facilities project is that the bill is still in Committee in the Senate and hasn't even gotten to the House yet for a vote.
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nope. no bill has to pass in Minnesota.
 

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