U of Kentucky Opens State-of-the-art Football Facility

We’re so proud to be involved in a new, prestigious and modern athletic building at the University of Kentucky: the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. The facility was formally named the Joe Craft Football Training Facility in honour of Joe Craft, one of the generous supporters of the University of Kentucky Athletics Department. Mr. Craft donated $4.79 million to the project. The $45 million, full service facility provides everything athletes need from practice activities to recovery treatments to study areas – all under one roof. The 100,000 square foot building, which opened in July, is located within walking distance to both Commonwealth Stadium and Nutter Field House.
	This state-of-the-art center includes: • State-of-the-art weight room • Team locker room and shower area with cold/hot plunge pools • Team lounge/recruiting room • Sports medicine/training room • Hydrotherapy area • Dining area and nutrition center with full-time chef • Kitchen • Equipment room • High-performance assessment room • Coaches’ offices • Academic center • Team meeting rooms • Auditorium • Outdoor viewing deck • Video room
According to the university, ‘the training center’s exterior and interior appearance matches that of Commonwealth and its recently completed $126 million renovation, giving the two buildings both a modern look and a uniquely Bluegrass State feel with touches like Kentucky limestone, reclaimed barn wood and illuminated outlines of the state’*.Natural Kentucky limestone is widely available in the state; in fact, the largest stone quarry in the United States is located in western Kentucky.
However, Arriscraft’s naturally manufactured Building Stone provides the supply, consistency and installation ease that quarried stone cannot. Architects specified Old Country Building Stone (Smoky Mountain color) for the main exterior wall and as an accent in the foyer. In a unique twist, the Old Country Building Stone was laid in a sleek coursed pattern as opposed to the standard ashlar pattern normally seen in this stone. The impressive, full height wall of this Building Stone makes a dramatic statement at the building’s entrance, which also features statues of four prominent, African-American players who helped break the color barrier in Southeastern Conference football.**
The ticket booth is a perfect example of full bed benefits where corners can be freely used without concern for premiums. The deep returns give it a real solid look along with the built in limestone counters. This project also provides a great example of proper at grade detailing, where quarried Adair® Limestone is used as an at-grade starter course.

Arriscraft’s Old Country Building Stone is manufactured at the Fort Valley, Georgia plant. A rugged split-face texture combined with linear lines creates a natural, yet stately finish – a fitting choice for institutional projects. Explore our color options and other Building Stone styles.
PROJECT: Joe Craft Football Training Facility 295 Alumni Drive, Lexington KY ARCHITECTS: Ross Tarrant Architects and HNTB Photo Credit: Phebus Photography Source: www.ukathletics.com *Source: www.jsonline.com