July 28, 2015
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa is proposing significant new improvements to its athletics facilities complex. The plan calls for renovating the north stands at Kinnick Stadium, the addition of a west-campus residence hall to better serve student-athletes, and several other projects that will have a significant impact on all of the UI’s sports programs.
During next week’s telephonic meeting of the Board of Regents, the UI Athletics Department will introduce its long-term vision for facilities and request permission to proceed with planning on three individual projects. They include the north grandstand of the UI’s football facility, the west campus residence hall, and a new location for indoor track and field. UI Director of Athletics Director Gary Barta says the upgrades are designed to provide the best possible experience for both student-athletes and fans.
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“When it comes to facilities, we’re continually working with our coaching staff to identify what we need to succeed and set priorities. We are also committed to enhancing the experience for our fans. This next master plan addresses these priorities.”
UI Director of Athletics
Gary Barta |
“The key to success in the Big Ten Conference is recruiting the most talented student-athletes in the country, and world-class facilities are a large part of the recruitment process,” says Barta.
Plans for renovating the north stands at Kinnick Stadium will include upgrades such as premium seating options (including suites), modernization of the restroom facilities, and updating the food service and vending options. These upgrades represent the first improvements made to the north end zone since the 1983 season. The renovations are expected to cost between $35 and $45 million and will complement the construction of the Paul W. Brechler Press Box and the south end zone in 2005-06.
“When it comes to facilities, we’re continually working with our coaching staff to identify what we need to succeed and set priorities. We are also committed to enhancing the experience for our fans. This next master plan addresses these priorities,” said Barta.
Constructing a new residence hall near the athletics complex would allow more first and second-year students to choose on-campus living, while providing a significant efficiency to student-athletes. Current university housing is at capacity and this would add an additional 500 to 600 suite-style beds. The project is estimated to cost $85 million and would be covered by dormitory revenue bonds and Athletics Department gifts and earnings.
“Our student athletes excel in the field of play and in the classroom, and we want to provide them every advantage possible to be competitive with any program in the country,” says Barta.
The department’s entire facilities master plan is centered around new and improved venues intended to keep the Hawkeyes competitive and at the forefront nationally in all of its 24 sports programs.
UI Athletics Department Facility Master Plan
Projects Anticipated, 2016-26
Kinnick Stadium, north end zone ($35-45 million*)
– Additional improvements include turf replacement, locker room/team room enhancements, etc.
West campus residence hall and dining facility ($85 million*)
Carver-Hawkeye Arena, enhancements/improvements
– Video board, sound system, court floor, concourse enhancements, new front lobby, etc.
West Campus (Hawkeye Campus)
– Indoor and outdoor track facilities
– Softball stadium
– Olympic sport arena
– Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Cheer/Dance squads
– Olympic sport support services facility
– Strength and conditioning, locker rooms, medical, etc.
Duane Banks Field (baseball), phase III
Finkbine Golf Course, clubhouse and course improvements
Gerdin Learning Center, enhancements/improvements
Roy J. Karro Athletics Hall of Fame and Museum, enhancements/improvements
*Estimated costs of all future projects are based upon anticipated scope, national comparisons, and previous UI construction rates. Final costs will be determined as part of the planning and approval process.
