Friday, July 3, 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

Pair of Merging D-II Schools Sue Conference That Kicked One Out

Ursuline College’s athletic recruiting and scheduling are being drastically impacted. 
Exclusive

ESPN Nears Mike Garafolo Deal As It Goes All In on NFL Reporters

ESPN has a deep bench of NFL reporters and personalities.

Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at NFL Roster

The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/2/26 – Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown, World Cup Ratings Smash Records, Serena Knee Scare, Bobby Bonilla Day

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Apr 2, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Tom Dundon, owner of the Portland Trail Blazers, visits with fans after a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center.

Dundon: Taxpayers Should Foot the Bill for Portland Arena Makeover

The NBA team owner pushed back on private financing for the arena renovation.
June 15, 2026

Dallas Stars ‘Getting Married’ to Plano With $3B Arena Move

The NHL team sees its forthcoming home city as a regional hub.
June 24, 2026

Portland Arena Standoff Revives Fears Over Trail Blazers Future

Portland’s mayor and city council spar over helping fund arena renovations.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
June 5, 2026

Bears Taking New $5B Stadium Plans Across State Line to Indiana

The decision arrived just four days after political inaction by Illinois leaders.
June 3, 2026

Stars Arena Move Deepens Downtown Dallas Sports Exodus

Both the Stars and Mavericks are seeking to build new arenas.
June 1, 2026

Indiana’s Bears Stadium Bid Gets More Real After Illinois Misses Chance

Recriminations rise as Illinois leaders fail to ratify a Bears stadium bill.
June 1, 2026

Illinois’ Last-Minute Push for $5B Bears Stadium Runs Out of Time

The state Senate approved a dramatically reworked stadium bill.