In part one of our recent interview with Jerry Kutz of Seminole Boosters, we focused on raising the money for an indoor practice facility. Today, we look at some of the practical details, such as planning and fitting the facility on FSU's campus.
The artist's rendering of the indoor facility seen in the photo of the coaches on signing day, is it more than just something to show potential donors?
Kutz: "Well, it's to show to donors and recruits. But that architectural drawing is actually based on some studies that have been done. And I don't know if the engineering plans have been done yet. But we've invested money and time on feasibility studies and different alternatives that could be built."
Have you considered artificial turf at the Civic Center so you don't have to build an indoor facility from scratch?
Kutz: "Arena Football was played there. But it's a very small surface to play or practice on. So it's not really adequate. Another problem with the Civic Center is we can't control the schedule. It takes them a day or so to set up that field, besides being very expensive to do.
"We also looked at doing one of those big tents -- you know, inflatables. Arizona did one like that, which seemed like a good idea. But the first year they had it, they had a little wind storm and it collapsed.
"Also the band practice field has an artificial surface. And there was an idea to make it into a practice facility by putting a big roof across it and some tarps you could drop down on the sides. But there are some good reasons why they can't do it there and make it ideal."
Is there room near the stadium for an indoor facility?
Kutz: "They came up with a very creative way of putting it right on an existing practice field. There are three parallel practice fields right now, and they'd leave one field the way it is. The other two fields by the baseball stadium would be turned perpendicular. And the one behind it, which is closest to the softball and soccer complex, that would be the indoor practice facility. The beauty of that location is that baseball, softball, soccer and even track could also use it.
"So an indoor facility wouldn't be just for football during the rainy season. They'll find a way to use it 365 days a year. For example, even if it's not raining during August pre-season practices, it's really hot. I've been there when six, seven, maybe eight guys are pulled out of practice to get IV's. When that happens, you're not practicing with your starting eleven. Having first-string receivers out affects the quarterback's timing. So they'll condition players outside in the heat. But when they're getting ready for a game, they're going to move into that more controlled environment."
Bottom line, your message to FSU fans hoping for an indoor facility would be...?
Kutz: "Be patient. It's a priority we're working on. And remember, we've won championships without an indoor practice facility."
Comments? Questions? Kudos?