Board of Regents Approves Lloyd Noble Center Addition

The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents approved plans for an 18,400 square foot training center at the Lloyd Noble Center on Thursday.

The addition will be constructed south of the existing two practice courts used by the men's and women's basketball teams. The addition will give both programs and other student-athletes improved training facilities.

A performance center will also be constructed as part of the project. This area will assist in performance testing and evaluation.

"This facility is an elite sports science center that will enhance our ability to train student-athletes," said OU Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. "We are focused on innovation and with this addition we move forward again in optimizing what student-athletes can achieve at the University of Oklahoma. We are committed to providing our student-athletes with a championship experience on every level and this is another project that reinforces our dedication."

The estimated cost of the project is $7 million, with funding identified, available and budgeted from private donations and OU Athletics funds. There is no timetable for the construction.

"This world-class training and strength and conditioning facility will provide our student-athletes with unparalleled opportunities for success and will help take us to the next level of excellence," said OU women's basketball coach Sherri Coale.

Men's basketball coach Lon Kruger added, "We need facilities that represent OU and its excellent tradition. This new facility will help our student-athletes reach their full potential and will also allow us to successfully compete with other schools for the absolute best recruits."

Baseball/Softball Playing Field Replacement Also Approved

The playing field surfaces at L. Dale Mitchell Park (baseball) and Marita Hynes Field (softball) will also be replaced after the current baseball and softball seasons. The cost will be no more than 2.565 million and the projects will be completed in the fall.