The Miami Hurricanes will announce a big donation from a local billionaire on Friday, according to a report from the Miami Herald.
The donation, which is expected to be for about $15 million, will go towards Miami's new indoor practice facility. The donor is expected to be real estate developer Jeffrey Soffer from South Florida. Soffer's family would be part of the large donation as well.
Soffer's assets include Fontainebleau Miami Beach and his family has its hands in many other local businesses as well. Soffer is a well known name in South Florida and helping UM with its new facility should make the family name even more prominent.
The new facility is a much-needed addition to UM's football program. Practicing in the hot climate can overexpose players to the elements, and cause them to possibly tire out quicker during the season. Practicing indoors will allow players to stay game ready while not exerting themselves due to heat and humidity.
The facility will cost an estimated $30 million to build and there will be other donations. Head coach Mark Richt will be allotting $1 million towards the new building. Richt has led the Hurricanes to a 3-0 record thus far this season in his first year with the school. Miami has not only won its games, but has dominated its opponents.
While a timetable has not been completed as of yet, UM hopes to have the new facility ready by 2018. The new facility should help recruit future talent to Miami and keep the team competitive for years to come.
