FIRST LOOK: UA Takes Next Step Toward New Arena; Board Vote Set For Friday

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama is one step closer to a new competition arena for basketball and gymnastics, along with a new practice facility for its golf programs.

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The UA Athletic Department said on Thursday that the UA System Board's Physical Properties Committee recommended Stage I approval for the project and plans are now pending Stage I approval from the Board of Trustees on Friday.

The new facilities, if given final approval, will be made possible by a 10-year, $600 million capital initiative for athletics, recruiting efforts and the overall game-day experience for all Crimson Tide fans.

The new basketball and gymnastics arena is projected to seat over 10,000 people in a more intimate environment than Coleman Coliseum, with the fans closer to the action than ever before. Proposed features for the new venue include student seating around the majority of the lower bowl, in addition to new premium options in its range of seating.

UA then said Coleman Coliseum will continue to serve as the day-to-day practice and preparation site for the programs, in addition to still housing the multiple departments currently located within the venue.

As for the proposed golf practice facility, it would feature a new nine-hole golf course, driving range, short game practice area and a 18,000-square-foot golf house. The golf house would include a Hall of Fame lobby, golf heritage display and mirrored wings with dedicated space for both golf teams, housing coaches' offices, bag storage and club fitting rooms, a team lounge and locker room, stretch room, putting studio and three indoor hitting bays.

The practice range would also feature multiple regulation greens north of the club house, while the short game practice area would be located west of the club house. The course would offer multiple routing options for on-course practice.

The first phase of the Crimson Standard initiative, which was completed prior to the 2020-21 season, included several enhancements to Bryant-Denny Stadium, in addition to the renovation and expansion of multiple seating areas, a relocated press box, improvements to all team areas and renovated recruiting areas.

To date, UA says over $470 million has been raised for The $600 million Crimson Standard Initiative.

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