New $58 million indoor training facility unveiled

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    By Michael Willhite

    A press conference was held Wednesday at LaVell Edwards Stadium announcing plans for an indoor practice facility.

    The new facility will be west of campus. Phase one will be over 89,000 square feet. This is where the artificial turf field will be.

    Football, soccer, baseball, softball and golf teams will use the new facility, according to athletic director Val Hale.

    The second phase will contain offices, video facilities, a strength and conditioning center and the BYU Athletic Hall of Fame. More space will be created for BYU women”s sports programs in the Smith Fieldhouse.

    Advancement Vice President Fred Skousen listed the construction of the facility as one of the University”s main priorities. Hale said construction cannot begin on phase one until all of the required funds are secured.

    The two phases cost 20 million dollars and 38 million dollars, respectively. Maintenance of the facility will be provided by an endowment account.

    Skousen said BYU hopes to have “firm commitments” by March of 2002 for funds. Skousen said they plan to break ground the following winter.

    “The strength of this type of facility,” said architect Niels Valentiner of VCBO Architecture of Salt Lake City, “is that the high quality can pull new recruits.”

    VCBO Architechture designed Franklin Covey Field in Salt Lake City, The E Center in West Valley City, Salt Lake County, and BYU”s new baseball facility, Larry H. Miller Field.

    The facility will be located west of the current practice fields and the Smith Fieldhouse.

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