On Friday, the full University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the revised budget for project after it was put in motion for further approval a day earlier by the physical properties commitee.
After this week’s meetings in Huntsville, and what assistant vice chancellor for construction management Mike Rodgers called “very favorable bids received on the project,” the facility will be built for nearly $5 million less.
What is the new budget for Alabama basketball’s practice and training facility?
The construction bid on Package A being lower than what was previously estimated saw the board approve a new budget of $54.6 million.
WAR Construction, Inc. and J.T. Harrison Construction Co., Inc. out of Tuscaloosa were among the qualified bidders for the project, with the latter taking over the project as it slashed funds for ‘Landscaping’ − which went from $115k to $0 − over $443k on ‘Contingency,’ and included decreases of over 4.5% in the budget allocated for the ‘UA Project Management Fee’ and the ‘Architect/Engineer Fee.’
Rodgers added that the new building, expected to be completed by the 2026 season, will be funded through a mix of UA central reserves, Crimson Standard cash and general revenue bonds.
When asked in months prior if there were further plans or bids in place for the renovation of Coleman Coliseum’s arena, Byrne wouldn’t give the Tuscaloosa News a hard “No.”
The first step that we’re taking is the practice facility,” Byrne said.
In November’s meeting, the board approved Wi-Fi expansion and enhancements for Coleman Coliseum and Bryant-Denny Stadium to better support the “connectivity needs” of fans and athletics staff. The project’s budget increased by $500k in February when the board approved the facility to include separate courtyards for men’s and women’s teams, which will serve as communal areas for players and incoming recruits.
