Regents approve University of Iowa football project

State regents today approved a University of Iowa plan for the $36.6 million phase two of the UI Football Operations Facility.

No general university dollars or increased student fees would be used as a revenue source. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2013, with completion in summer 2014.

The building will be immediately adjacent to and south of the new Indoor Athletics Practice and Recreation Facility, now under construction. The Football Operations Facility will include spaces for strength/conditioning, squad meetings, video editing, lockers for players and coaches, coach's offices and reception space.

UI Athletics Director Gary Barta said the funds for the project are all self-generated, through fundraising and athletic department revenues.

Also at today's meeting in Cedar Falls, the board gave officials approval to demolish three UI-owned properties. The demolitions are: three duplexes at 2220 Crosspark Rd. on the Oakdale Research campus; a house at 711 Melrose Ave.; and a house at 15 Melrose Pl.

The regents also approved increases to residence hall rates for next year at the UI, the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. Double-occupancy rooms with full board will increase 3.74 percent, to $8,343 at the UI; a 1.33 percent increase, to $7,722 at ISU; and a 2.3 percent increase, to $7,597 at UNI. The residence systems are self-supporting and don't receive state funds for operations or improvements.