Facility Friday: Arizona Outdoor Pool, Twins Ballpark

The University of Arizona celebrated the completion of its $13.2 million renovation to the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. The project required a complete infrastructure overhaul, and includes overhead structures to allow sun in during the winter months, but provide shade during the summer months. The outdoor facility will host its first meet Friday when the women’s swim team hosts Washington State. — Tucscon.com

Don’t miss Arizona’s first home meet of the seasonThe Cats will host Washington State on Friday at 2 p.m. in the new pool

Click below for more details! #BearDown https://t.co/x48RSm4h1Z

— Arizona Swim & Dive (@ArizonaSwimDive) January 9, 2019

The Minnesota Twins announced plans for a new “living wall” system for Target Field’s batter’s eye. The design will be the first of its kind in MLB, and will consist of 2,280 square feet of about 5,700 sea green juniper plants. The plants will be individually installed and secured, and self-irrigated by a Pentair rainwater recycling system. — MLB.com

A first of its kind in MLB, our batter's eye will get a facelift this season! More info: https://t.co/UE0zhYMnw9 #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/lVAqRLMFjI

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) January 7, 2019

The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff held a ribbon-cutting event ahead of a basketball double-header at the newly renovated H.O. Clemmons Arena last weekend. The renovations included new bleachers, a new court and new goals. Branding, including team colors and logos, were incorporated into each of the new installations. — Pine Bluff Commercial

Big things about to happen with @UAPBLionsRoar Athletics!!! Want to say thanks to @UAPB_AD and @uapbchancellor for being a part of this special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the newly renovated H.O. Clemmons Arena. The future is bright, stay tune . #OURtownOURteam pic.twitter.com/iSac8TdPmZ

— GoldenLionsAthletics (@UAPBLionsRoar) January 7, 2019

The University of Georgia reportedly is seeking input from design-build firms for a planned renovation and expansion of its Butts-Mehre building, part of which is expected to include a new football facility. The project is seeking an aggressive construction timeline, and could impact locker rooms, sports medicine space, strength and conditioning areas, meeting rooms, offices, equipment management, lounge areas and recruiting space. The request for qualifications is open and must be submitted by Feb. 11, according to the school’s athletics website. — Athens Banner-Herald

The United Soccer League’s Indy Eleven club unveiled a proposal for a $550 million mixed-use district that would include a 20,000-seat soccer stadium. The proposed stadium would be ready in time for the team’s 2022 season opener, and would be surrounded by apartments and office buildings. The club has its eye on joining the MLS, which currently requires clubs to have a stadium with seating for 20,000. Designs allow for future expansion, should minimum seating requirements change. — Indy Business Journal

Indy Eleven has unveiled a proposal for a $550 million mixed-use district with a 20k-seat soccer stadium as it continues its quest to join Major League Soccer. But the plan needs the backing of the Legislature and City-County Council to proceed. https://t.co/xdnbRTvVzD pic.twitter.com/3uUX4V2FLe

— IBJ News (@IBJnews) January 10, 2019

The University of Connecticut received a $1 million gift from alumnus Chris Fraser to support the school’s football program. The donation will be used for new lockers in the Burton Family Football Complex, and will also help fund other football-related enhancements. — UConnHuskies.com

We are grateful for this generous gift. Thanks so much!

STORY:https://t.co/rxoaqD81YO

— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) January 10, 2019