Auburn football’s new standalone facility will reportedly cost over $90 million, and Tiger fans have mixed opinions about the project.
The Football Performance Center is set to cover 12.5 acres on Biggio Drive at the former location of the Hutsell Track, Tom Green reports. AL.com breaks down what will be house in the new, multi-million dollar facility:
"The project will house Auburn’s football operations building, a new indoor practice facility and two natural turf practice fields. It will include a new weight room, locker room for players, a players lounge, barbershop, two recording studios, a flight simulator and team meeting rooms while also being home to the program’s sports medicine and nutrition offices, football administration offices, equipment rooms and laundry."
The project is up for approval by the board of trustees on February 15. Here is a look at renderings of the new facility.
Auburn's standalone football facility is up for final approval next week, and it finally has a price tag -- $91.9 million, with an expected completion date of July 2022 https://t.co/PZg3h5Xr1D pic.twitter.com/64coHJ6D23
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) January 28, 2021
The mixed opinions being shared by fans online range between those outraged at the high price tag, those in favor of the recruiting advantages brought on by the new facility, and those who believe the cost is justified because college athletes are not paid.
Here are some reactions:
It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger but I’m not sure I’m proud of a football facility with a barbershop and recording studios. 🙄Why?
— Missy (@3MAucks) January 28, 2021
Sorry but this makes me irrationally angry. It will end up being well over $100M by the time it’s done and meanwhile how many young people are drowning in student loan debt?
— Ms. Mambo (@Ms_Mambo) January 28, 2021
"There is no money to pay the players." "It's impossible to find a system that will work". "The players are students, just like any other."https://t.co/4jDRRS5oy0
— Father Keanu (@natronbacon) January 28, 2021
One Twitter user poked fun at the luxurious amenities included in Auburn football’s new performance center:
Auburn’s New Facility will have:
— Wannabe Walk-Ons (@WannabeWalkons) January 28, 2021
- A DMV
- A Chik-Fil-A Vending Machine
- Ice Skating Rink
- Self-Serve Car Wash
- Trampolines for Floors
- Heated Toilet Seats https://t.co/kLqFuS9Z9X
The project will reportedly be funded by university bonds and funds from Auburn’s athletic department. While the price tag may be slightly outrageous, the state of the art facility will hopefully encourage more top prospects to join the Tigers and elevate the Auburn football program in Bryan Harsin’s first year as head coach.