In Richmond, Tim Pearrell reported VCU expects to have the "footings poured" for its $25M, two-story basketball practice facility in mid-August and the project is "expected to be completed" by October '15. The 60,000-square-foot building "will house" two practice courts, locker rooms, coaches’ offices, strength and conditioning areas, as well as a sports medicine center with a hydrotherapy room, viewing decks, lounges, a dining room for players, an academic center, a laundry and equipment room and video viewing rooms (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 7/12). Meanwhile, in Memphis, Jason Smith noted the school hopes to "break ground on a new 50,000-square-foot men's basketball practice and training facility within the next three to six months." The facility is "expected to cost" $16-20M and "could be completed within the next 18 months" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 7/13).
IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE: In K.C., Tod Palmer reported Missouri last week announced details of a "new tailgating area," which has been added as part of a "ongoing eastside expansion" at Memorial Stadium. Truman's Terrace "replaces the Amphitheater at Mizzou" and is located "just outside the southeast corner" of the stadium. It has been "transformed into a tiered hillside" where individuals and groups conduct "catered pre- and post-game tailgate parties." Truman's Terrace will "require a game ticket and a special pass for the new created tailgate experience" (K.C. STAR, 7/12).
PERMANENT VACATION: In Columbia, Andrew Shain reported the floor of the Carolina Coliseum, which was home to South Carolina basketball games from '68-'02, will become "two permanent practice courts" for South Carolina's men's and women's basketball teams in October. No other events will be held inside the "bowl of garnet-colored seats" as the school has already "auctioned off the old basketball court and is selling some of the chairs" (THESTATE.com, 7/14).
SEEKING APPROVAL: In Pennsylvania, Bob Flounders reported $2M in renovations for Penn State's football facilities "were approved" at Friday's BOT meeting. The university will "upgrade the team meeting room and lobby" of the Lasch Building. The improvements "include new carpeting, lighting, furniture, finishes and wall graphics" (PENNLIVE.com, 7/11).
