Watch the Construction of Iowa's New Practice Facility Live

Feb. 1, 2012

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kirk Ferentz and the University of Iowa football staff work daily on building a model Big Ten Conference program. Those efforts, and the efforts of those who have come before them, have firmly established the Hawkeye program as a leader in the Big Ten and one of the most successful programs in the nation.

As prosperous as the Hawkeyes have been, Ferentz’s vision runs deeper than the boundaries of competition and the quest for championships.

“It is our vision to provide Iowa coaches and student-athletes of future generations, the resources and facilities that will allow them to continue the legacy of Hawkeye football,” said Ferentz.

“The tradition has been built by legends (Nile) Kinnick, (Forest) Evashevski, (Hayden) Fry and numerous others. We are obligated to build on the successful foundation they have put in place.”

“It is our vision to provide Iowa coaches and student-athletes of future generations, the resources and facilities that will allow them to continue the legacy of Hawkeye football. The tradition has been built by legends Kinnick, Evashevski, Fry, and numerous others. We are obligated to build on the successful foundation they have put in place.”
Kirk Ferentz

Pieces of that vision and legacy are complete. In 2002, the UI completed the Kenyon Football Practice Facility. In 2006, it completed an $89 million renovation of Kinnick Stadium, enhancing one of the greatest college football environments and home field advantages in the nation.

The upcoming facility projects will impact all areas of the Hawkeye football program. As always, the emphasis is on what is best for the student-athlete experience.

This project will commence with the construction of a permanent indoor practice facility. This facility will be located south of, and incorporated with, the Kenyon Outdoor Practice Facility. Construction of the indoor practice facility is scheduled to be completed for the 2012 football season. The estimated cost for these initial steps is $20 million.

Watch the progress on the construction HERE.

When the new indoor practice facility is complete, the existing bubble will be demolished and additional parking will be added, connecting to the current parking lot north of Kinnick Stadium, with an additional entrance from Hawkins Drive.

Completion of the new football operations center will add the final element to what will be one of the finest football training facilities in the country. This building will guarantee an exceptional student-athlete experience and ensure the Hawkeye program remains competitive for many years. The football operations center will include approximately 76,000 square feet on two levels and will feature:

  • strength training area
  • team locker rooms
  • team meeting rooms
  • state-of-the-art technology for training, coaching, and recruiting
  • athletic training facilities
  • recruiting and public space dedicated to the history and success of Hawkeye football
  • coaches and support staff offices and conference rooms
  • equipment room

The location of the football operations center will connect all parts of the football program, including team areas, coaching and meeting areas, and indoor and outdoor practice fields. With its close proximity to Kinnick Stadium, this facility will complete one of the most practical and comprehensive collegiate football training and competition venues in college football.

The football operations center is tentatively planned to be completed in 2014 with an estimated cost between $30-$35 million.

Visit jointheiclub.com for more information on how to support the UI football facility campaign.