Collegiate Times

Virginia Tech's basketball programs will have a new playground starting in 2010.

The Board of Visitors approved a 59,000 square foot practice facility to be erected adjacent to Cassell Coliseum on Monday.

"It's outstanding, it's something we desperately need and we appreciate (the administration's) support," said Associate Athletic Director Tom Gabbard. "I think it's a great asset to the program."

The facility will cost an approximate $20 million and will include two practice courts and an Olympic weight training room.

"I think it's fantastic for Virginia Tech basketball, and that goes for both programs," said women's basketball head coach Beth Dunkenberger. "I think Seth (Greenberg) and I are in agreement that we love Cassell Coliseum and the atmosphere it generates, but a new practice facility will speak volumes about Virginia Tech's commitments to our basketball program."

Though Cassell Coliseum is some 46 years old, the administration and coaches opted for a practice facility rather than building a new stadium altogether.

"I think coaches, administrator and fans alike know that Cassell Coliseum has a unique atmosphere," Dunkenberger said. "Certainly when you look for improvements and areas where you can get better, a practice facility is something a lot of teams in our league have. It will certainly help us keep up with the league."

Falling behind in the Atlantic Coast Conference had become somewhat of a worry. With the opening of the University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena in 2006, two-thirds of the ACC has opened new facilities in the past 10 years.

"As far as basketball practice facilities go there's not comparison at all," Gabbard said. "We don't compete at any level in the ACC. We are woefully behind in that part of it."

However, with the unveiling of the new plans, the Hokies hope to be able to match or even best their competitors.

"Overall, I think we've done a good job of competing. I think you've got to give (Athletic Director) Jim Weaver a lot of credit for that," Dunkenberger said. "He's done a great job of building and improving our facilities and now it's basketball's turn … Over half our league either upgraded to a new facility and that's where we can not only catch up but also move ahead."

The new facility should also be beneficial to Hokie recruiting. The quality of facilities is a common criterion for top high school prospects.

"It's invaluable (to recruiting)," Gabbard said. "When you're trying to compete for that athlete and they come here and see practice facilities that aren't on a level that they'd see at a North Carolina or a Florida State it may make the difference. That only needs to happen one or two times before it may make the difference between being nationally competitive or being a little short."

Not only will the new practice facility help bring in prospects; it will help develop the talent already in Blacksburg.

"It just speaks volumes about our commitment, plus you're talking about a state-of-the-art facility that's just for basketball," Dunkenberger said. "Certainly your games, you know your 29 or 30 games a season are important, but you're talking about a place day-to-day where kids can train, a place that's just committed to basketball."

The facility is scheduled to open in 2010 and will be located between Cassell Coliseum and the tennis courts along Washington Street.