The future home of Florida football will have a new name.
Thanks to a more than generous gift from a long-time supporter of the athletic program and the University, as well as approval from UF’s Board of Trustees, the Florida Football Training Center will now be named the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center.
“It’s an important investment for our present and also our future,” Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said. “To have a guy like Bill be associated with it, you are talking about one of our more devoted and generous fans, but also one of the most positive. Part of the reason he is a great leader and a great success is that he is always looking for the good in things and people and programs.”
“We’ve got a great coach in Coach Mullen and in order to be competitive, we need a great facility like some of the other schools in the SEC,” Heavener said. “We’re certain that with the right resources, Coach will bring us another national championship. I’m excited to be a part of that.”
The most recent gift from Heavener adds to his legacy of giving to the University of Florida and the Athletics Department. The gift to the Football Training Center follows his commitments to the Heavener School of Business, Heavener Hall, the Heavener Football Complex, support of the Athletic Department’s video division (GatorVision) and a scholarship endowment for the athletics department.
Construction for the 140,000-square foot football training complex will be based on site availability and is currently estimated to start in late in July of 2020, with a completion goal of December of 2021. The facility which will be adjacent to the practice field and Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility, will serve as the new day-to-day home for Florida football student-athletes and staff.
The University Athletic Association released a teaser trailer with renderings of the new Florida Football Training Center ahead of UF’s 40-14 win over Florida State, and now Gators fans can enjoy a more extensive video of the facility as well as updated renderings, with some new highlights in the project.
The new renderings and video feature an elevated dining experience for all student-athletes, an expanded Gator Room, a collaborative office suite, state of the art therapy and recovery pool, expanded weight room and a quick peek at the locker room – which will only be viewed by Gators and future Gators. In addition to the all student-athlete dining area, other all athlete amenities in the facility include a barber shop, recording studio, and a virtual reality lounge. The outdoor area will feature a multi-use grass lawn, lounge pool, hammocks, and basketball courts.
Despite all of the amenities, the facilities ultimate goal is to maximize efficiency within the program and focus on student-athlete development.
The UAA is in the midst of a $155 million fundraising campaign to complete its three-phase facilities master plan