Friday, August 7, 2026

Florida Gators Open $85M Football Training Facility

  • The new enclave has a new locker room, training center, and recovery facility.
  • Non-football athletes also have access to a hair salon and dining hall.
Hannah White/UAA Communications

After breaking ground in 2020, the Florida Gators have officially opened their shiny new $85 million football headquarters.

The 142,000-square-foot enclave, called the James W. Heavener Football Training Center, is complete with a state-of-the-art locker room and training center. 

The hallways have mood lighting and signage that look more like that of an NFL stadium — much of which was chosen by head coach Billy Napier.

Outside, there’s a pool and basketball court, as well as a rehab center including a steam room and plunge pool.

A segment of the building is open to athletes who play other sports, too. It includes a virtual reality room, a dining hall, and even a hair salon.

“Without a doubt, this is not your big brother’s football facility,” the school said in an announcement.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 16, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Northern Colorado Bears forarwd Brock Wisne (14) dribbles the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders forward JT Toppin (15) in the second half at United Supermarkets Arena

How NCAA-Athlete Eligibility Limbo Has Sown ‘Absolute Chaos’

Coaches, GMs, and lawyers are still trying to sift through the upheaval.
Fanduel logo appears in this illustration taken April 22, 2026.

Gambling Industry Gears Up for ‘Arms Race’ This NFL Season

“Competition is fierce,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said.
Eastlake’s Julian Williams (3) runs the ball during a District 1-6A high school football game against Pebble Hills on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at SAC 1 in El Paso, Texas.

Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices

Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.

Fox Pushes Back NFL Media-Rights Negotiations Until 2028

The company also touted strong results from the FIFA men’s World Cup.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/7/26 – Aikman and Buck Talks, Fox Won’t Renegotiate NFL Rights Until 2028, and Yankees’ Polymarket Deal

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.

Blazers Gain Public Backing, but Arena Talks Still Contentious

Citizen support for the arena renovations arrived from several different sectors.
July 28, 2026

Royals Stadium’s $600M in City Funding Faces Local Opposition

Protesters shut down a zoning meeting about the planned ballpark project.
August 2, 2026

Browns Opt for Turf in New Stadium Despite NFLPA Push for Grass

The team’s new stadium will reportedly feature artificial turf.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Jul 24, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Ryan Vilade (26) hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
July 27, 2026

Tampa City Council Poses New Hurdles for Rays Stadium

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said “it defies common sense.”
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) scores a basket during the second half against San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.
July 20, 2026

Blazers and City Increasingly at Odds Over Arena Funding

The arena funding debate has devolved into a three-way fight.
July 9, 2026

Bears’ Indiana Stadium Plans in ‘Red Zone,’ Governor Says

The NFL team is drawing closer to a long-awaited stadium decision.
Jul 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) greets designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) after scoring a run against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field.
July 9, 2026

Rays Tout New Stadium Designs As Funding Talks Continue

The club unveiled interior ballpark designs while funding negotiations continue.