Plans for a new University of Wisconsin football indoor practice facility are evolving, with a notable change shown in the newest set of ideas.
The football team's undersized McClain Center practice field no longer is scheduled to be converted to an indoor track and field venue, according to plans shown at an informational presentation Tuesday.
Instead, that building is earmarked to be replaced by a new training center that will centralize the football team's strength and conditioning location, locker room, offices and meeting rooms.
The $285 million project, scheduled to be completed in 2026, is the most expensive construction job ever undertaken by the Wisconsin athletic department . It involves demolition of the Camp Randall Sports Center and construction of a new indoor facility that will fit a full-sized football field with a height suitable for kicking drills, shortcomings of the McClain Center.
Wisconsin officials and a designer from architect HOK showed the latest concepts from the schematic design process at a meeting of the Joint Campus Area Committee on Tuesday.
A rendering from a presentation at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Joint Campus Area Committee shows the potential massing for replacements of the Camp Randall Sports Center, left, and McClain Center with a football indoor practice facility and a training facility, respectively.
The 90,000-square-foot indoor practice facility will be atop an underground parking level of the same size constructed on the site of the Camp Randall Sports Center, more commonly known as the Shell.
The project includes a new weight room (an estimated 22,400 square feet), athletic training facility (14,200), locker rooms (15,000), equipment room (8,400), dining hall (10,200), meeting rooms (12,100) and football offices (29,100), according to the informational presentation.
Earlier concepts had what's now the indoor football field in the McClain Center being converted for track and field once the new football practice structure is built in place of the Shell, which a 2020 report commissioned by the athletic department deemed was unsuitable for its purposes.
But deliberations about the best use of the McClain Center space have tilted toward football. Badgers soccer and track and field teams have locker rooms in the current lower level of the McClain Center, and a project description with Tuesday's presentation said the new facility will house those programs.
There's no indoor track apparent in the plans but athletic director Chris McIntosh said the program will have one. "That's non-negotiable," he said.
Constructed on the north side of the Shell, the McClain Center was put into use for football practices in 1988 and was formally completed in 1989 at a total cost of $9.5 million. But its field is 20 yards shorter than regulation and its roof gets in the way of kicks. Football officials also have complained about a haphazard layout for support facilities and used new indoor practice hubs at rival schools in their argument for a new structure.
All of that is addressed in the upcoming project. Wisconsin launched a $75 million fundraising campaign in October with a $20 million donation from Ted and Mary Kellner. Ticket prices are being raised and minimum donation levels are changing for 2024 to help pay for the work.
Most of the $285.163 million cost of the project is planned to be covered by athletics program revenue funds. There's $120 million in program revenue supported borrowing in the proposal.
Photos: Samantha Madar's favorite Wisconsin football photos from the regular season
Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Jack Nelson (79) looks into the stands before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Rodas Johnson (56) skips to the stadium before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Alexander Smith (11) and linebacker Jordan Turner (54) celebrate in the second half of the season opener against Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
SAMANTHA MADAR
Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Christian Dremel (6) in the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Jason Maitre (23) smiles after cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) scored a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Cole Lacrue (17) grabs the helmet of Georgia Southern Eagles running back David Mbadinga (31) during the second half of the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers student sections dance to “Jump Around” in the third quarter of the season opener against Buffalo Bulls at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) is tackled by Buffalo Bulls defensive end Jyaire Stevens (4) during the season opener at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) recovers a wild snap next to running back Chez Mellusi (1) during the first half of the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) yells after a drive against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the second half of the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers linebacker C.J. Goetz (98) celebrate after sacking Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback Davis Brin (5) during the second half of the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) celebrates after sacking Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback JC French (12) during the second half of the game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell leads his team to Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Rutgers in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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walks through the Camp Randall Memorial Arch before the game against Rutgers in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers tight end Tucker Ashcraft (38) catches a touchdown pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers student section dances to “Jump Around” in the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
SAMANTHA MADAR
Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Bryson Green (9) runs off the field after defeating Rutgers at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) runs the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) attempts to catch a pass against Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jermari Harris (27) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers linebacker C.J. Goetz (98) deflects a pass from Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (10) in the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55) tackles Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) intercepts a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) is escorted off the field in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) celebrates with wide receiver Skyler Bell (11) after Pauling scored a tochdown in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers student section dances to “Jump Around” in the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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A fan wears a University of Michigan themed costume to the Badger-Buckeye game at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Darryl Peterson (17) and cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) take down Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Gee Scott Jr. (88) in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell walks to Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Northwestern in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) hugs his grandma as he walks to Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Northwestern in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Jace Arnold (22) greets his mother as he walks to Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Northwestern in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) runs the ball against Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Xander Mueller (34) in the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. (35) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Quincy Burroughs (5) runs with the ball during warm-ups at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (10) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Chubba Purdy (12) in the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers celebrate after defeating Nebraska Cornhuskers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and offensive coordinator Phil Longo congratulate each other after their overtime victory against Nebraska Cornhuskers at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) intercepts a pass against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Jason Maitre (23), safety Kamo'i Latu (13) celebrate with safety Preston Zachman (14) after Zachman’s interception in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Isaac Gifford (2) in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (8) celebrates after a run against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Nebraska Cornhuskers tight end Thomas Fidone II (24) leaps over Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Jason Maitre (23) in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium before the game against Nebraska in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL
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Wisconsin Badgers take the field before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. SAMANTHA MADAR, STATE JOURNAL
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