FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas has begun construction on a $9.6 million practice facility for the Razorbacks' baseball and track & field programs.
The 52,000-square foot facility, which will be located between Baum Stadium and the Randal Tyson Track Center, could be completed as early as next summer, according to the UA. Approximately $1 million has been raised for the facility, which will be funded by athletic revenues, donations and previously issued bonds.
“The baseball and track indoor training facility will give the University of Arkansas the finest indoor training facilities for baseball and indoor track and field in the nation,” UA athletics director Jeff Long said in a release. “This facility vaults us ahead of our competition in the SEC and nationally. With this addition, inclement weather is no longer a factor for our baseball, men’s and women’s track and field programs."
The facility was designed by Little Rock-based Witsell Evans Rasco and HKS of Dallas. Kinco Constructors, Inc. is the general contractor. Preliminary site work for the project began last month.
The facility will be used for the baseball team to practice indoors and for throwing events during track & field meets. It will also house a weight room for both sports.
Bonds have also been approved for two other athletic building projects - a basketball practice facility and dining/academic hall. It is unknown when construction will begin on either of those projects.
All three projects were outlined in the UA's master plan for athletics, unveiled in 2011, which will bring an estimated $300 million worth of new facilities or renovations over a 30-year span.