Wednesday, August 12, 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

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; The NFL shield logo on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL Faces AI Accusations Over ‘Move the Sticks’ Podcast Feed

The podcast posted a new episode hosted by an unidentified voice.
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives to the basket Thursday, March 19, 2026, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament first round game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Athletes Capitalizing As NCAA Fights to Overturn New Eligibility Ruling

An appeals court will consider whether to pause the initial ruling.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of CBS Sports NFL today broadcast before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

CBS Sports Has a Lot to Live Up to After Banner Year

The Paramount-owned network will rely more on NFC teams this year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/12/26 – Knicks-LeBron Tickets Soar, Trump Backs Infantino, Romo’s CBS Future Unclear

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

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.
Clouds move over the top of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Aug. 8, 2026.

Bills Are ‘Addressing Feedback’ After New Stadium Debut

Obstructed-view seats have become a focal point of the new facility.
Apr 24, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the second half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.
August 7, 2026

County Votes to Approve $100M for Blazers Arena Upgrades

County leaders vote to support renovations, but a funding source is unclear.
August 10, 2026

Tampa Overhauls Rays $2.3B Stadium Funding As Clock Ticks

The city is shifting to a tax-increment financing structure.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
August 5, 2026

Blazers Gain Public Backing, but Arena Talks Still Contentious

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

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

Protesters shut down a zoning meeting about the planned ballpark project.
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.”