Indiana Announces Plans for Football-Only Weight Room

Following a gift from Indiana University alumnus Jay Wilkinson, plans for a new football-only weight room are underway. The project, built in Memorial Stadium's north end zone, is expected to be completed by early 2024.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Plans for a new, football-only weight room are underway, thanks to a "major gift" from Indiana University alumnus Jay Wilkinson, according to a press release from the school on Monday.

The weight facility will be built in the north end zone of Memorial Stadium, and construction is expected to be completed by early 2024. 

"We are very appreciative of Jay's long-standing support and commitment to positively impacting our student-athletes," Scott Dolson, IU Vice President and Director of Athletics, said. "This project will not only provide our football student-athletes with the necessary equipment and space to maximize their abilities and opportunities as IU student-athletes, but also the flexibility to use the space 24/7, 365 days a year."

Wilkinson has played a major role in facilities upgrades at Indiana in recent years. He gave a $10 million gift in 2017, which led to the construction of Wilkinson Hall, a 3,000-seat venue used by the volleyball and wrestling programs. In 2012, he made a $1 million gift for the renovation of Memorial Stadium's strength and conditioning facility in the north end zone, which was renamed the W. Jay and Nancy Wilkinson Performance Center.

“As a passionate supporter of Indiana University and its student-athletes, I know how important it is to have access to the type of facilities that give students the chance to maximize their abilities,” Wilkinson said. “It’s been wonderful to see the overhaul of IU Athletics’ facilities in recent years. I feel privileged to be able to play a part in that effort, and to support the amazing student-athletes who so proudly represent this great university.”

The new football-only weight room is the second Memorial Stadium renovation announced this summer. In June, Indiana announced the building of eight premium, field-level suites at Memorial Stadium, available for the 2023 season. 

Coach Tom Allen and the Hoosiers begin their season on Sept. 2 at Memorial Stadium against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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