Facility Friday: Virginia Baseball, Middle Tennessee Athletic District and More

The University of Virginia held the first game at the school’s new baseball stadium this week. The $18.76 million expansion project took seating capacity at the facility to 5,500. The inaugural ballgame between the Cavaliers and the Keydets from VMI drew 3,709, a record for a home opener. The ballpark will be renamed Davenport Field at Disharoon Park following a meeting of the university board on March 2. —Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

The Los Angeles Clippers revealed details of a proposed arena complex in Inglewood, Calif., as they prepare for an environmental impact review. The Clippers, who currently share the Staples Center with the Lakers and Kings, are reportedly seeking to build a privately-financed arena and team headquarters for themselves. The project would include a practice facility, sports medicine clinic, offices, retail space and outdoor public basketball courts. Hurdles remain, however, and entities such as Madison Square Garden Co. have threatened legal action. —Source: Los Angeles Times 

Middle Tennessee State University announced plans for significant upgrades to its athletics and football facilities. The master plan calls for the creation of a new “athletic district,” an entry plaza, and a new football operations facility. Upgrades to Floyd Stadium are also under consideration. The proposed football facility would include an equipment room, a locker room, and offices that would free up space for other sports in the Murphy Center, where offices are currently located. If approved by the MTSU Board of Trustees, the plan will be rolled into the campus master plan. —Source: Daily News Journal

The University of Alabama announced that the Board of Trustees had approved $21 million to fund a renovation of the schools swimming and diving facilities. The project will reportedly include expanding the indoor pool, extending deck space, and adding an athletic training room, team locker rooms, lounge areas and a nutrition station. —Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

UNLV announced this week that it had secured a $1 million gift to go toward the school’s Fertitta Football Complex. The gift, made by donors Aldo and Dawn Madrigrano, brings the amount raised for the facility to $23 million. The building is expected to cost $28 million. When complete, the 73,000-square-foot building will become the day-to-day home of the football team, with an academic center, locker rooms, offices, meeting rooms, a strength and conditioning center, media space, an athletic training center and more. —Source: UNLVRebels.com