GAINESVILLE, FL — The James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center at the University of Florida recently opened, just ahead of the 2022 season. Designed by HOK and constructed by Parrish-McCall, the 142,000-square-foot building includes two floors of high-performance training spaces for student-athletes. Modern amenities throughout the facility support UF’s efforts to recruit and retain talent.

“The Heavener Football Training Center elevates the experience for Gator athletes, coaches, and staff at the University of Florida,” said Nate Appleman, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment at HOK. “The functional design honors the Gators’ rich history and sets the team up for continued success in the decades to come.”

The first floor features a two-story weight room with a running track overlooking the strength and conditioning space. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views into the adjacent indoor practice field. A locker room includes recliners for each athlete and is strategically located next to the weight room and practice fields. Recovery spaces include a sports medicine clinic, cryotherapy rooms, sauna and steam rooms, float tanks, hydrotherapy plunge pools, and additional rehabilitation spaces.

To prep for game days, the center includes a virtual reality space for game simulation and an all-team auditorium with stadium seating. Conference rooms and offices include a team meeting space that features carpeting with football field yard lines to practice plays displayed on the room’s projector screen. Staff offices overlook a nearby practice field.

The facility also has a dining hall, lounge spaces, a barber shop, and game room. The outdoor space also includes an outdoor pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and a multi-purpose lawn.