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Florida athletics: University plans overhaul of athletics dorms

By Matthew Clark

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Florida Gators players and fans celebrate following a 27-19 victory over the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 06: Florida Gators players and fans celebrate following a 27-19 victory over the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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The University of Florida plans a significant overhaul of its facilities, including a new dormitory for Florida athletics.

University of Florida officials have announced the full backing of a $2.2 billion capital improvement plan that includes a new Florida athletics dormitory.

The overall capital improvement plan is expected to be implemented in the next five to 10 years, according to a report in the Gainesville Sun.

The plan includes a complete overhaul of the campus’ existing housing, which is expected to cost between $410 million and $485 million

That will include a 500-bed dorm specifically for the athletics department.

"“We’re trying to recruit the best and brightest students … part of that is providing great living situations,” university Chief Operating Officer Charlie Lane, told the Sun. “The housing we have right now, we feel doesn’t serve the need in that regard.”"

Other upgrades, previously approved by the University Board of Trustees, includes $130 million in stadium upgrades. Trustees have already approved a $50 million bond resolution for Phase II of the University Athletic Association’s Facilities Master Plan, according to the Sun.

Those plans include a stand-alone football facility to be located on the site of McKethan Stadium. That project alone is estimated to cost around $65 million. The new facility will be located near the practice field and indoor practice facility.

"“We want to invest wisely in our infrastructure to enhance our student-athlete and fan experiences,” UF athletic director Scott Stricklin said, in the Sun report in March. “And we want to make sure that we are making the best long-term decisions to create championship experiences with integrity for all of those that touch our programs. Our athletic department is consistently among the top five in the nation, and it is our intent that all three of these facilities mirror that.”"

It is expected to be completed by 2021.

The university plans to take down McKethan Stadium and build a new baseball stadium as well as complete renovations to the softball stadium.

Next. Florida athletics get $140.9 million budget for 2019-20. dark

The overall plan will also include new academic projects, landscaping across the campus and renovations of other dormitories around the campus.

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