University of Utah taking steps to build a new indoor practice facility for football program

Members of Utah Utes take the sphere earlier than the beginning of a sport at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake Metropolis on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. Tuesday the college the introduced it's working towards constructing a brand new indoor observe facility for the soccer program.

Colter Peterson, Deseret Information

If all goes easily, the Utah soccer program could possibly be receiving a brand new, upgraded indoor observe facility.

The approval course of took an enormous step ahead Tuesday, when the College of Utah board of trustees unanimously voted to approve the bonding for the $61.8 million undertaking.

Now, the state Legislature should approve the bonding. If permitted, building might start this spring and is predicted to be accomplished by the autumn of 2024.

The brand new indoor facility could be constructed subsequent to the Spence and Cleone Eccles Soccer Facility and the Spence Eccles Discipline Home, which was constructed in 2004.

In keeping with the college, the proposed climate-controlled facility could be 101,000-square ft and have a 120-yard soccer discipline with finish zones, a 90-foot ceiling (excessive sufficient to permit for punting) and video boards. The constructing would come with area for storage, a foyer, a sports activities drugs annex and restrooms.

In a proposal to the board of trustees, the college mentioned the brand new facility is required as a result of gamers want a spot to coach exterior of observe classes. Proper now, the soccer program shares the present indoor facility with different groups on campus in addition to native leisure sports activities.

Athletic director Mark Harlan mentioned at Tuesday’s assembly that this new facility is important for participant growth functions.

The bond for the indoor facility could be repaid by means of donations and college funds whereas working prices could be offered from athletic division revenues, in accordance with the college’s proposal.

Final August, the college held a ribbon-cutting for one more main undertaking — the $80 million enlargement of Rice-Eccles Stadium, rising the seating capability from 45,807 to 51,444.

The enlargement included the state-of-the-art Ken Garff Purple Zone positioned within the south finish zone.

The Ken Garff Purple Zone options new residence and visiting locker rooms, sports activities drugs services and hospitality areas, the College Membership restaurant, Diglisic Lounge, Layton Discipline Membership and numerous premium seating choices, together with suites, loge bins, ledge, membership and premium terrace seating in addition to extra bleacher seating.