UH regents give go-ahead to design indoor football facility

The new five-year deal UH coach Tom Herman signed in December includes a buyout tied to the construction and completion of an indoor football facility. The new five-year deal UH coach Tom Herman signed in December includes a buyout tied to the construction and completion of an indoor football facility. Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle Photo: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close UH regents give go-ahead to design indoor football facility 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

The University of Houston Board of Regents on Thursday gave approval to move forward with the design phase for a $20 million indoor football facility.

The 80,000-square foot facility, to be built adjacent to TDECU Stadium, will include a 120-yard synthetic field and football-only sports performance area.

"This is the next piece of the puzzle for our football program to give them the assistance they need to compete and recruit on a national level," UH vice president of intercollegiate athletics Hunter Yurachek said during his presentation to regents.

Early rendering of new @UHCougarFB indoor facility pic.twitter.com/jkcSA0YUj2 — Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) February 18, 2016

UH has raised $5.7 million toward the project, Yurachek said. The project must receive final approval from the regents, likely in August, with construction expected to begin later this fall.

The timing of the project is of importance to UH in regards to coach Tom Herman's contract. The new five-year deal Herman signed in December includes a buyout tied to the construction and completion of the indoor football facility.

If a plan for the facility is not approved by Sept. 1, Herman's buyout decreases 25 percent from $2.5 million to $1.875 million. The buyout decreases as much as 75 percent if the facility is not at or near completion by December 2018.

Also Thursday, Yurachek said he continues to explore options for a temporary home for the men's and women's basketball programs for the 2017-18 season when the basketball arena undergoes renovation. Among the off-campus venues being considered are Toyota Center, NRG Arena and Texas Southern's H&PE Arena.