The football season may have been canceled, but the Galimore-Powell Field House is getting a facelift.
This summer FAMU Athletics launched its ALL IN campaign, an extension of the Rattler Athletic Fund, designed to make improvements to the football operations center. The first step was giving the field house a brand-new look.
According to FAMU Athletic Director Kortne Gosha, this is the first time the field house will have any kind of renovations in more than 35 years. The fundraiser is one of the major accomplishments to take place since Gosha was hired as AD in late November.
“I think for our student athletes they deserve to have a facility that they’re proud of,” Gosha said. “Not only will the facility finally have the proper equipment, but the coaches will have something to recruit to.”
The field house serves as a home locker room for the football players and an equipment and training room for the sports medicine staff. It also houses the offices for the football coaching staff.
Gosha said that the project is estimated to cost around $750,000 and the goal is to raise enough money to fund the project without using any state dollars.
As of last week, new lockers have replaced the old ones. Along with the new lockers, the flooring and furniture in the lobby area will be updated. The players and staff can also look forward to the plumbing and A/C unit issues being resolved.
Although the field house won’t see any after-game action this year, the football players are happy to know that it’s finally getting revamped.
Eddie Tillman, a junior running back, is happy that the field house will have a more appealing look.
“It looks more like a place for Division I athletes,” Tillmansaid. “We should keep investing in our facilities, so that way we’re able to attract top-notch players.”
Elijah Jones, a safety, has been waiting for these upgrades to happen.
“It should have happened a long time ago, but I’m grateful it’s finally happening,” Jonessaid. “It’ll be great to come back to a place that has working air.”
Gosha emphasized that the upgrade was needed. He added he is pleased to be able to provide a better environment for the football players, and allied health students who use the facility for classes.
“I think all the way around this is definitely going to enhance or program,” Gosha said.
The campaign has raised more than $400,000, he said, and phase one of the ALL IN campaign is expected to be completed around Oct. 1.