Coastal Carolina University has secured all required state approvals to begin construction on a $20 million indoor practice facility. The South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority, chaired by Gov. Henry McMaster, approved the project at its meeting in Columbia on June 28.

“This is a very significant moment for our University as this facility represents the largest donor-funded project in Coastal Carolina University history,” said CCU President Michael T. Benson. “Not only will this multipurpose structure serve our intercollegiate athletic teams, but it will also be used for graduation ceremony staging, club and intramural sports, and various campus and community events. Many people have helped us get to this point, and I thank the generous donors who believed in our vision and supported this very important investment.”

Located just south of Brooks Stadium and designed by Garvin Design Group, the 93,000-square-foot facility will be the first Construction Manager at Risk project ever undertaken by CCU. A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, which will be built by Contract Construction, is scheduled for Sept. 7, two days before CCU’s 2023 football home opener in Brooks Stadium.

“The Construction Manager at Risk delivery method gives Coastal Carolina University several benefits, including a predictable budget with a Guaranteed Maximum Price, increased project speed, and the ability to hire based on construction managers’ qualifications not just price,” said David Frost, senior vice president for finance and administration/CFO.

Sherry Johnson, a member of CCU’s board of trustees and chair of its facilities and planning committee, said: “This state-of-the-art facility stands not only as a testament to our commitment to excellence as a University but also as a catalyst for transformation within Chanticleer Athletics. The facility presents numerous opportunities for our entire student body. We are excited about the impact it will have in propelling our athletic programs toward unparalleled success.”

The metal structure will accommodate all aspects of practice and includes a regulation-size football field featuring artificial teal turf. The facility also will include two filming platforms, restrooms, storage rooms, and an athletic training space that will be accessible from the interior and exterior practice areas.

“This next step toward the completion of the indoor facility shows that we are continuing to elevate this program to the highest level,” said Tim Beck, CCU’s football head coach. “The facility will feature many of the best design elements, making it one of the top facilities in the nation and home to our Coastal family. Thank you to President Michael T. Benson, Chair of Athletics and Executive Director of Football Joe Moglia, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Matt Hogue, Chanticleer Athletic Foundation Executive Director Kelly Moore, and everyone who has been involved in making this happen. It’s a great day to be a Chant!”