Winning isn’t the only thing on Smith’s mind these days. He wants a new practice facility adjacent to Williams Arena and won’t hesitate to ask for donors, starting with a lead donor.
“People are looking to give back and support the University,” Smith said. “You go around this country, around this state, (and) people they love the U. So the best way to show your love is to share. I guess to share your wealth and people are doing that.”
Smith said Northwestern and Minnesota are the only Big Ten schools without practice facilities separate from their arena playing floors. Practice facilities have become a recruiting tool in the college basketball arms race. A new practice facility at Minnesota with amenities to impress recruits would provide a stunning contrast to drab Williams Arena, a facility that dates back to 1928 and one that recruits often see empty on non-game days.
Minnesota hasn’t made public what the cost of a new practice facility will be but last year Michigan approved such a facility for $23 million. No formal plan has been announced by the Gophers regarding a facility.
On Friday night fans can have a first look at the Gophers. Admission is free for “Tubby’s Tip Off” in Williams Arena with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. Team autographs are available from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Other activities will include three point and dunk contests, and a scrimmage beginning at 11 p.m.