“This is something we have talked about internally for some time,” Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley said. “We have always been able to utilize the O’Connell Center as an indoor option for the football team, but with the renovation starting this spring, it will no longer be available.”
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The new facility will be built on the site of the Sanders football practice fields, which are adjacent to Florida’s baseball stadium.
Indoor facilities are becoming increasingly popular, as they help shield teams from unfavorable weather conditions. During the 2014 season, approximately 30 of Florida’s practices were impacted by bad weather. As a result, the Gators were required to reschedule practice, move inside to the O’Connell Center or Florida Gym, or cancel practice altogether.
Each team in the SEC has an indoor facility or plans to build one.
