A spot of the far east end of the University of Cincinnati campus may soon be called the "House that Coach Kelly Built," and fans hope it will lay a foundation for the future of the Bearcat football program.
Officials broke ground Friday morning on a multi-purpose indoor practice facility that will provide indoor workout space for the Orange Bowl Bound Bearcats.
Many close to the project say its construction was big factor in coach Brian Kelly's commitment to remain at UC in the face of other offers.
Football programs like Michigan and Michigan State, which loured away former UC coach Mark Dantonio, use the all weather domes. Now officials hope UC's indoor facility will put the Bearcats in the next level of college programs.
The $10 million project is expected to be finished by winter 2009.
Its construction represents the latest development and a big leap in the growth of the program. Some are even beginning to wonder how long it will be before the program outgrows the 35,000 seat Nippert Stadium.
The Big East champion Bearcats take on the Virginia Tech Hookies in the Orange Bowl on January 1 at 8 p.m.
