Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated total cost of the Football Operations Center?
The 40,000 square-foot Football Operations Center will cost approximately $15 million. This is in line with peer institution football facilities of a similar nature.
Where will the Football Operations Center be located?
The Football Operations Center will be situated in close proximity to the 25,000-square-foot Athletics Performance Center located across from Hooper Eblen Center and will provide student-athletes with convenient access to strength and conditioning facilities.
What features will be included in the Football Operations Center?
The Football Operations Center will include a contemporary team locker room, hospitality suite, conference rooms, coaches’ offices, theatre-style meeting room, open-air lighted practice field and much more. It will place specific emphasis on state-of-the art technology, with touch screens and displays in the lobby, and will be a showcase for Tech football.
Who will have access to the Football Operations Center?
While the Football Operations Center is specifically designed for Golden Eagle Football, it will be the primary athletic training, sports medicine and physical therapy venue for the entire athletics program, which includes 15 varsity teams and more than 325 student-athletes.
How will the Football Operations Center be funded?
At one time, approximately 70% of the university’s budget came from state appropriations; today it is closer to 30%. Tennessee state regulations do not allow state appropriated funds to be used for the construction and maintenance of athletics facilities and venues, so the Football Operations Center must be funded through philanthropic support from alumni and friends. Business leaders from the local community will also help fund this important and timely project.
Why does Tech need a Football Operations Center?
Tech is engaged in the most expansive building campaign in the history of the university, but no significant enhancements have been made to Tucker Stadium and Overall Field in 50 years. Recent upgrades include a state-of-the art video board and artificial playing surface, and the Football Operations Center is the next project in a large expansion and upgrade plan for Tech Football.
The Football Operations Center will enhance the student-athlete experience, add to the university’s appeal, create regional and national media coverage, raise awareness of the institution and expand the local economy. It will help Tech in recruiting, yielding and retaining students; provide an exciting and affordable entertainment experience for the Upper Cumberland; and level the playing field among Big South - Ohio Valley Conference peers and other Football Championship Subdivision institutions. The facility will elevate fundraising and donor stewardship as well. In short, a Football Operations Center will strengthen Golden Eagle Football and the overall athletics program by helping to build and sustain winning teams.
When will construction begin?
It will take 18-24 months to secure funding and 12-15 months for construction.
What is the economic impact of Golden Eagle Football?
Like most mid-major football programs who compete in the Football Championship Subdivision, Tech Football generates revenue but is not self-supporting. Revenue for the athletics program comes from a variety of sources: university subsidy, student fees, NCAA distributions, gate receipts, season ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, game guarantees and fundraising.
Due to declining undergraduate student enrollments nationwide along with fierce competition for budget allocations for academics, student services and scholarships, philanthropic support is critical for supporting basic operations and programmatic enhancements.
What is the economic impact of Tennessee Tech?
Tech’s impact on the State of Tennessee is $1.57 billion, which translates to more than $20 for every $1 invested in the state annually. Tech’s contribution to the Upper Cumberland region alone is $765 million annually, and the university supports the local communities through employment, gross domestic product, output and personal income across the region and state.
Is the university committed to this project?
President Phil Oldham and Tech’s senior leadership are committed to the Football Operations Center. Vice President of University Advancement Kevin Braswell and Associate Athletic Director of Development Bobby Taylor are actively engaged in fundraising efforts. Athletic Director Mark Wilson and Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder consistently share future plans with football alumni and Golden Eagle fans. Two passionate and engaged volunteers spearheaded this project: the late Ottis Phillips, a former Tech football player and business executive, and M. Dianne Murphy, a former NCAA Division I athletics director. And a steering committee of football alumni, Tech employees, donors and local business owners meet biweekly to discuss next steps.
How can I help?
Make a gift! Your support will make the vision of a Football Operations Center a reality for Tennessee Tech. And spread the word! Share information about this facility with others, and let us know the names of anyone who may have the capacity to help financially or through volunteer efforts.
Who should I contact if I want to make a gift?
Multi-year pledge opportunities are available, and we can guide you through the options to help you decide what and how to give. Naming opportunities are available.
- Bobby Taylor, Associate Athletic Director of Development — 931-372-6228 — rhtaylor@tntech.edu
- Michelle D. Arbogast, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations — 931-372-6091 — marbogast@tntech.edu
- John W. Smith, Associate Vice President for University Development — 931-372-6338 — jwsmith@tntech.edu
- Mark Wilson, Director of Athletics — 931-372-3961 — mwilson@tntech.edu
- Bobby Wilder, Head Football Coach — 931-372-3930 — rwilder@tntech.edu