Illinois announced their plans and renderings today to update their football operations complex, which was originally constructed about three decades ago.
The new facility will span 107,650 square feet and will cost about $79.2 million, all funded through private gifts and "Division of Intercollegiate Athletics funds."
The Illini stressed a need for the new facility to attract top level talent in their release:
Of equal importance is the impact a quality facility has on recruiting. To win football games and pursue championships, we need top student-athletes from around the country to choose the University of Illinois to further their educations and their football careers. The competition for talent is fierce and pits us against tradition-rich football programs from coast to coast. To win in this race, we must offer exceptional leadership and resources that allow our student-athletes to realize every ounce of their potential. World-class facilities are an important part of the equation as well. Our facilities must demonstrate an institutional commitment to building, supporting, and sustaining a winning football program.
Among the big time upgrades will be a new weight room, recovery pool area, locker room, and a whole lot more. See renderings of the plans below.
Construction on the new project will begin in early 2018, and is scheduled to be completed before the 2019 season kicks off.