OMAHA, Neb. -- Creighton officials announced today plans to construct a new athletic practice and training facility. Below is some background information about the project.

Over the summer, a group of donors who have been strong supporters of Creighton athletics expressed a desire to accelerate a long-term plan to construct a new athletic practice and training facility. The construction of an athletic practice and training facility is part of our planned development of an east campus integrated athletics/fitness/recreation corridor. This is an important element of Creighton’s campus master plan and the University’s commitment to enhancing services and opportunities for students. This facility is important to Creighton because of the visibility and revenue that our successful athletics programs generate. The facility is a critical component of recruitment and retention of student-athletes who make Creighton proud both in the classroom and on the court or field. Creighton has not only excelled in conference and national athletics competition, but our student-athletes have consistently been recognized as leaders in the classroom by the NCAA and the Missouri Valley Conference.

Moreover, the funds being raised are not solely for athletics. The donors to this project have made private commitments to support the cost of a new facility and a seven-figure gift to support academics.

The proposed facility will house men’s basketball offices and practice courts; in addition it will be home to services for all student-athletes in strength and conditioning, training rooms and the Academic Learning Center.

As the University finalizes strategic planning and academic program planning later this year, the best new use of the Vinardi Center will be decided. I continue to believe that we have many opportunities to consolidate the University's academic functions on the Hilltop; the Vinardi Center has been identified as a critical site for expanding academic programming.

At this time, two site locations near the Ryan Center are being considered for the new facility. The proposed project will move into a design/build phase following approval by Creighton’s Board of Trustees.