I've been slammed the past 6 months trying to get the new Hawkins Center (http://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_hawkins_center_updates_.aspx) finished and furnished for the dedication next Monday, so I've been noticeably AWOL here on the board. Doesn't mean I haven't thought about you all or lurked a bit when I had a spare moment. Since you've all been so patient, here's what's happening at the UAA...

O'Dome renovation (http://floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/28/renovation.aspx?id=13707) is progressing nicely and I think everyone will love it once we're done. Courtside Club and Sideline Club will be nice addition as well as the humongous center court and endzone video boards, the chairback seating throughout and the fantastic new entrance on the east side opposite Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It's going to be a really great facility when we're done. I'm doing lots of work with the teams selecting the furniture, equipment, finishes, etc., and I think it will make any Gator proud of the result. $65 million and counting so far!!!

Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium renovation will be happening in the next year as well...adding more seating on the east side, larger pressbox, moving the coaches offices out there from The Lemerand and really classing the place up!

The Football offices, South Endzone weight room, training room and FB locker room will most likely be moving to a brand new home closer to the new Indoor Practice Facility in the next 2 years. It all depends on the land available and how we can maximize what we need. Coach Mac and I have been discussing it a bit already and I'm really looking forward to getting started on it. He's so great to work with! This whole Football staff is made up of some great people! I think we're going to have a great year with the new QB's and Kickers and can't wait to get the season underway.

As far as the Head Gator goes, I'm still in shock about it since we all just knew it would be another 2 years before Jeremy retired. But, when the time is right, you have to do what is best for you and he's doing that. I have no idea who the next AD will be, but I'm confident President Fuchs and the committee will do what is best for Gator Nation. I do know one thing, if the new AD doesn't retain Chip Howard and Mike Hill, he's as dumb as a sack of hammers. Those guys are freaking awesome and do a heck of a job for the UAA. I love them both to pieces and admire their professionalism, vision and passion for Gator athletics. 

Hope everyone has a great summer. Stay safe and I'll try and check in more often with news as it comes available.

Hugs!