UA System Finance Committee Approves Funding for Coleman Coliseum Renovations

The UA System Financial Committee met on Thursday to approve the new project.

Coleman Coliseum / Alabama Athletics

The University of Alabama System Finance Committee approved bond funding for the item of "Coleman Coliseum Basketball Training Facility Expansion and Renovation" during its Thursday meeting in Tuscaloosa.

The $58.674M project will have $36.949M paid for by new bond funding, with $21.725M paid for by UA reserves/gifts, per the proposal that was approved by the committee.

The UA System Physical Properties Committee also met to discuss the item, and approved the initial stages of an approximately 48,800 square foot expansion to the southeast corner of Coleman Coliseum, and the renovation of approximately 19,000 square feet of existing space in the facility.

The project will entail constructing a new basketball training and development facility, including new sports medicine spaces, film and team meeting rooms, locker rooms, lounges, and coach and staff areas for both the men's and women's basketball programs. The project also entails the construction of a new practice facility and weight room for the men's program in the proposed expansion to Coleman Coliseum.

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne stated during the meeting that the plan is to break ground on the project in the fall, with the renovation and expansion being fully operational by 2026. He said the expansion will not impact the team's ability to play games in the facility.

"Coach [Nate] Oats and Coach [Kristy[ Curry are extremely supportive as a positive and valuable next step for their respective teams and they've both expressed this is the highest priority at this time, and the facility will meet an immediate need as we continue to work toward long-term priorities for our basketball programs," Byrne said.