Oklahoma State announces new indoor facility

Posted by Chip Patterson

With the combination of the renovations to their football stadium and the recent success under head coach Mike Gundy, things are going pretty well for the Cowboys in Stillwater. For a big-time football program, there is no better opportunity to expand your operation than when things are moving in the right direction. On Tuesday, Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder announced that the University will begin contraction on a new indoor practice facility "approximately August, 1, 2011."

The Sherman E. Smith Training Center will be adjacent to the new grass and turf practice fields already under construction, and located just north of Boone Pickens Stadium. The school announced the approximate cost for the indoor facility at $16 million, while the practice fields and fencing will be completed for $3 million.

Sherman Smith was a close friend of Boone Pickens, and the school said their relationship dates back to the 1940's. Smith passed away on June 6, 2011, and his gift was originally termed as an endowment. Since his passing, the Smith family allowed their gift to help with the construction of the new indoor practice facility. The school will continue to fundraise for the practice fields project.

Below is an artist rendition of the practice fields and Sherman E. Smith Training Center (courtesy of OkState.com). What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Jeff Evans