U of M files $8.8M permit for indoor football practice facility

The University of Memphis filed an $8.8 million building permit for construction of its long-in-the-works indoor football practice facility on Monday.

The permit, which was filed along with Turner Construction Company, is one of the final hurdles in building the facility, which has been in development since fundraising began in 2011.

The practice facility is part of Phase II of the indoor facility project, which began after a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2017. Phase II will begin after the completion of Phase I in April, according to Memphis President David Rudd.

The first phase began last summer and featured renovations to the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex, including new coaches’ offices, a new training facility, player dining and study areas as well as new water therapy and work spaces.

In August 2017, the university’s Board of Trustees approved $10 million in debt financing for the facility project from the Tennessee State School Bond Authority to begin Phase I. The total cost of the project is $10.6 million.

In addition to funding, Memphis athletic director Tom Bowen said last May that the project was delayed due to dealing with the contracting process mandated by the Tennessee Board of Regents

Last July, the school began managing future construction projects through the Board of Trustees and the State Building Commission. Rudd then announced in December that Phase II was approved by the State Building Commission in Nashville.

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com