With the nickname “Rainesville” the Florida Gators football team needed an indoor refuge to be able to retreat to when daily monsoons drown campus.
The University Athletic Association spared no expense when it came to giving the football team a safe haven from the elements, spending $17 million dollars on the facility that sits on top of the old football practice fields.
“I think it shows a commitment. It’s something that’s been long overdue. What it does is show a commitment. A commitment to this organization and this football program. It was something that’s going to help them be successful.”
Original plans included an option for a 60-yard field over the existing AstroTurf field but Jim McElwain played a big part in scrapping that plan and in building a full-length football field with a lounge and extra room off of the north end zone for linemen to work.
“They did that right. I’ve got to tell you man, I think you guys will be impressed,” McElwain said on Monday. “There’s a lot of space in there so we’re able to actually practice and have full practice and not hinder the drills.”
The original plans called for the indoor facility to be finished on October, 5 but the construction company worked double shifts, nights, weekends and holidays to ensure that the Gators would be able to get inside the facility before Fall Camp was over.
Monday afternoon the doors were opened to the media and Gator Country can now give you a tour of the Florida Gators indoor practice facility
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Additionally, watch our very own Nick de la Torre and Gainesville TV 20’s Brandan McCall break in the new facility with a 40-yard dash.
nick, have you ever seen the heisman trophy? otherwise great and thanks