Click on this photo of the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility to view an interactive, panoramic image of the inside of the building

In November of 2000, the Fighting Illini moved into the state-of-the-art Irwin Indoor Practice Facility. The $12.5 million facility was constructed using private donations, including the initial $7.5 million gift given by the Irwin Family Foundation, which was also responsible for the building of the Irwin Academic Services Center.

The 77,327 square-foot facility is located just east of the Intramural Physical Education Building. The facility is conveniently located next to the Illini locker rooms and the outdoor practice fields, allowing flexibility to work indoors or outdoors during the different seasons. The floor of the facility is covered by AstroPlay, an artificial turf with the feel of natural grass. Its long strands make for fewer injuries and a softer surface. The facility features a dome slanted roof which reaches an internal height of 50 feet. The multi-purpose facility also features retractable baseball netting.

The unique architechural design of the building fits with the historical significance and architechural integrity of Memorial Stadium and surrounding Illinois buildings with its red brick exterior and slanted roof. The exterior of the building is clad primarily with the university blend brick, detailed with limestone and has some larger areas of articulated metal panels in the color of limestone. The interior features a smooth wall surface and uses both direct lighting fixtures and natural light.

(updated 9/08)