TideSports.com - UA plans for Champions Plaza

June 10, 2012

Chase Goodbread
TideSports.com Senior Writer

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees will consider a proposal Friday for a Champions Plaza project adjacent to the UA baseball facility that will recognize the success of Alabama's athletic programs.

The plaza will consist of brick and concrete walls with commemorative engravings highlighting each program's history of Southeastern Conference and national championships, according to records released by the university. There will also be a coaches' recognition wall with plaques honoring coaches who have won national championships. Visitors will also be able to educate themselves about UA's athletic tradition with interactive video displays.

The project calls for tiered seating for 600 fans adjacent to Sewell-Thomas Stadium. According to a supplemental document detailing the project, the plaza will "complement the surrounding athletic buildings and provide a new gathering place for Alabama students, faculty, staff, and fans."

The total budget for the project is $2.82 million, $2.4 million of which will be construction costs. Maintenance projections for project call for $10,000 in expenses in the first year and $50,000 over the first five years.

The projected completion date is the spring of 2013. In an effort to maintain that goal, UA is requesting approval for a waiver of the consultant selection process and approval to employ the services of Davis Architects, Inc., of Birmingham, which handled prior projects including Foster Auditorium renovation, Bryant-Denny Stadium expansion and Sewell-Thomas Stadium upgrades.

Alabama is also in the midst of a construction project at the UA football facility.

UA coach Nick Saban said last week at the Nick's Kids charity golf tournament that the practice fields are being reconfigured and plans for a new weight room are in place as well.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0196.

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