New Coastal Carolina indoor athletics facility gets final approval from state leaders

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) - A new $20 million facility Coastal Carolina University’s athletic programs is now a step closer to reality.

The project was given final approval by the South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority on Wednesday. The 93,000-square-foot building is set to be located south of Brooks Stadium.

CCU President Dr. Michael T. Benson tweeted shortly after the approval, calling it the largest donor-funded project in the university’s history. The school later confirmed a groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Sept. 7, two days before the Chanticleers’ home opener against Jacksonville State.

“This is a very significant moment for our university as this facility represents the largest donor-funded project in Coastal Carolina University history,” Benson later said in a statement provided by the university. “Not only will this multipurpose structure serve our intercollegiate athletic teams, but it will also be used for graduation ceremony staging, club and intramural sports, and various campus and community events. Many people have helped us get to this point, and I thank the generous donors who believed in our vision and supported this very important investment.”

Of the total cost, documents state that $15 million is covered by donor gifts while nearly $5 million of those funds will come from capital project reserve funds. They further state the $20 million figure “was funded entirely by existing university resources and funds that would have been used to serve this debt is collected into this amount.”

Among the new facility’s features include a full-size synthetic turf football field, training room, high ceilings, a coach’s tower as well as video recording platforms and room for lighting and sound systems.

While an increase in athletics operating costs is expected due to the facility, the school has said there will be no increases in student fees or tuition as a result.

Construction is expected to be completed by January 2025, according to documents.

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