Construction of new football practice facility likely to start this fall

IOWA CITY - Construction on the University of Iowa's new fixed-roof football practice facility could begin sometime in early fall.

Pre-project bids are due Sept. 13 from general contractors. Iowa officials then will select the contractor with construction to follow.

"That typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the contractor to get their documents ready before they get their shovel in the ground," said Jane Meyer, Iowa's senior associate athletics director.

The new facility will overlap the southern-most grass practice field and take up the entire parking lot west of the recreation building. Meyer said there will be pedestrian access for every facility in the vicinity.

Cost for the practice facility is between $20 million and $25 million. The entire project, which includes a weight room, meeting rooms and offices, is slated to cost between $40 million and $50 million.