O’Dome renovations postponed

Citing “an aggressive schedule, escalating costs and a change in the construction management team,” the University of Florida announced that the planned renovations for the Stephen C. O’Connell Center that were to begin after this season have been postponed for one year.

“The renovation proposal is a major renewal of one of our campus’s most iconic buildings. It’s incumbent on us to take the time and do it right,” Florida President Kent Fuchs said in a release.

The constructions management design team is about 60 percent complete and the delay will give them the necessary time to complete the plans. A new construction manager has been brought in and a construction schedule will be worked on and finalized in the coming months.

“We remain 100 percent committed to this project,” Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said. “The $60 million that we have already earmarked for the project is indicative of this commitment.”

The renovation plans call for a new entrance that will include ticketing and retail sales outlets as well as new concessions stands, club level seating, a club lounge and a new, reconfigured concourse to allow fans an easier time navigating the facility.

The construction was set to alter the schedules of the teams that occupy the building, namely men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and gymnastics are now expected to be able to compete without interruption for their upcoming 2015-16 seasons. In addition, Spring graduation commencement ceremonies that were scheduled to take place in the O’Connell Center will be able to remain at the venue.

The initial price of the renovation was estimated near $45 million dollars. Despite the estimated raise in the budget, the University Athletic Association will provide most of that cost and will continue fundraising.

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC