Everything you need to know about the Newly Approved $58 million Bama’s…

Alabama’s forthcoming basketball practice facility is projected to carry a price tag of $58.674 million, as outlined in data presented to the university’s board of trustees. A significant portion of this sum, $36.9 million, will be covered through new bond sales, while the remaining $21.7 million will be sourced from a combination of reserve funds totaling $1.7 million and $20 million in Crimson Standard gifts.

The expansion plan entails adding 48,800 square feet to the existing practice facility, which is currently part of Coleman Coliseum’s southern end. This additional space will primarily cater to the men’s basketball program, with plans to renovate 19,000 square feet of the facility to accommodate the women’s basketball team, presently training in Foster Auditorium.

Expressing enthusiasm for the project, men’s basketball coach Nate Oats emphasized the significance of the expanded and upgraded facilities in fostering player development. Oats acknowledged the vital support from the university administration, the Board of Trustees, Interim Chancellor Trant, President Bell, as well as Greg Byrne and Shane Lyons. He also expressed gratitude towards donors and fans for their unwavering support.

The renovation project will encompass various upgrades, including new sports medicine facilities, film and team meeting rooms, locker rooms, lounges, and coaches’ staff areas for both men’s and women’s basketball teams, alongside the construction of the new practice facility and weight room specifically for the men’s team. Each team will have dedicated spaces for practice and weight training, addressing their primary needs. Athletics director Greg Byrne underscored the project’s significance, emphasizing its immediate impact and alignment with the teams’ highest priorities.

Although architectural renderings were not presented, construction is slated to commence in the upcoming fall, with a target for both teams to utilize their respective facilities by the start of the 2026 calendar year. Importantly, this project will not impact Coleman Coliseum, and plans for a new basketball arena remain on hold.

The finance committee has greenlit the bond sale for the practice facility and other associated projects, with the physical properties committee approving the construction plan. The full board of trustees is set to vote on these matters on Friday morning, signifying progress towards enhancing the basketball programs’ facilities and infrastructure.