AU trying to go All IN on Athletic facility upgrades across the board

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AUBURN – The facilities race in college athletics shows no sign of slowing, and athletics director Jay Jacobs proposes that Auburn pick up the pace in a major way.


In a letter to Auburn donors , who would be asked to help foot the bill, what was termed “lofty plans for improving facilities to assure the highest competitiveness in the toughest conference in college” were spelled out.

The contents of the letter were shared with AuburnUndercover by one of the recipients.

“While more than $140 million has been invested in our athletic buildings over the past decade, we must continue to advance our competition and practice spaces for our athletes,” the letter reads. “To determine the feasibility of these projects, Auburn athletics is seeking the advice and counsel of its supporters and community leaders whose opinions we value. We hope that you will participate in a preliminary study.”

The letter offers preliminary proposals for two phases of facility upgrades, including north end zone renovations and other improvements at Jordan-Hare Stadium and a new football operations building. Total cost would be more than $200 million.

PHASE I

-- $75 million for north end zone renovation and other upgrades at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The renovations would include new home and visiting team locker rooms, new recruiting area, multiple premium seating options.

-- $30 million for a football operations building. It would be built near the existing athletic complex and would include athletic training facilities, a players lounge, locker room, equipment storage, weight room, coaches offices, meeting rooms and more.

-- $25 million for a sports medicine facility. State-of-the-art facility would be located on campus to accommodate the wellness needs of Auburn athletes.

PHASE 2

-- $15 million for soccer complex upgrades. Included would be new seating, concessions and press box. -

-- $10 million for a student-athlete development center. It would be a state-of-the art academic support facility.

-- $12 million for upgrades at Jane B. Moore Field. Included would be more permanent seating, a team facility and more.

-- $12 million for upgrades at Plainsman Park. Included would be new seating above the “green monster” in left field.

-- $5-10 million for an equestrian support facility.

-- $5 million for an SEC Network studio extension.

-- $5 million for track and field facility upgrades.

-- $5 million for swimming and diving upgrades.

-- $2 million to finish volleyball facility within Auburn Arena.

The J.F. Smith Group, an Auburn company that specializes in fundraising, will interview donors and lead the feasibility study.

“Please note,” the letter reads, “that the comments will be in confidence and you will not be solicited in this interview. Your advice and counsel is essential as we consider the direction of Auburn athletics capital campaign.”

Jacobs talked about facilities when he addressed a group of donors last week.

“Our goal is to build and maintain first-class facilities for our students and fans,” Jacobs said. And, he added, “Our goal is to have our student-athletes in position to win championships every year.”


I think the bolded is needed. And I think the J.F. Smith Group would be a good company for Jacobs to work for.

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