Oklahoma State University (OSU) in the US has unveiled its plans to construct a new $16 million indoor practice facility.
The new facility, known as Sherman E Smith Training Center, and practice fields will be located just north of Boone Pickens Stadium. The facility will offer Pokes refuge during cold winter or hot summer practices, that are to be used by athletic teams.
OSU already has begun construction of three new practice fields, one artificial turf and two natural grass, which will cost roughly $3 million.The new development will feature an Olympic soccer-sized field with a ceiling that reaches 65 feet to allow kicking and punting within the building. Soccer fields will be similar in length and 20 yards wider compared to football field.
The centre will feature large retractable doors on both sides of the building and cross breeze will keep the building cool during the summer months. In winter months, the building will be an enclosed shelter from rain, wind, ice and snow.
The training facility was part of a the university’s grand plan for an athletics village to be funded through a $165 million donation from T Boone Pickens, but only renovations to the football stadium have been completed till date.Construction work on the new facility will commence in August 2011, and is anticipated to be completed in late 2012 or early 2013.