New facility 'changes the game' for UC Athletics

The University of Cincinnati cut the ribbon on the Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Athletics Performance Center, culminating a two-year construction process for the $134-million, 210,000-square-foot complex that will redefine the student-athlete experience at UC.

"This is a top-level facility. Not just top level in the Big 12, but in the country," said John Cunningham, UC's athletic director.

The 84,000 square-foot Indoor Practice Facility features a 120-yard football field equipped for multiple sports. The field provides an all-weather home for Cincinnati football practices and year-round workouts. It is connected to the Performance Center's weight room, cutting edge sports medicine and athletic training wing and performance nutrition fueling stations.

The 96,000 square-foot Athletics Performance Center features three levels, providing nearly everything a student-athlete needs in one place as well as offices for the football program. The facility also features meeting rooms, an equipment room, locker room, player's lounge, dining hall and a social media content studio – among many other features. The athletics-only dining hall is open to all student-athletes, giving every team at Cincinnati a state-of-the-art place to refuel.

"The Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center is a game-changer," Scott Satterfield, UC head football coach, said. "Every inch of this space is designed to help our players grow, recover and prepare. It's one of the finest facilities in the country. It shows our commitment to being elite in everything we do. I'm thankful to Larry and Rhonda Sheakley and all of our supporters for investing in our student-athletes to make this vision a reality."

Read more about the ribbon cutting event and new facility.

See media coverage of the ribbon cutting:

Local 12

Sports Illustrated

Cincinnati Enquirer

WLWT

WCPO

Featured photo at top of a display of Bearcats football equipment. All photos provided.