UW’s Turner unveils vision for facilities

SEATTLE – Washington athletic director Todd Turner, offering reporters his vision for the university’s athletic facilities, emphasized one thing: The future begins and ends at Husky Stadium.

Turner noted Thursday that his presentation is not yet a plan. There are no dollar figures or timelines attached, and massive nearby transportation projects could present serious obstacles.

Still, his 30-minute presentation completed the first step in a process that started in March 2005 when a facility planning study began. Working with a committee that included former Gov. Dan Evans, UW coaches and sports architectural firm HOK Sport, Washington has developed a grand vision for its athletic future.

“We’re not ignoring the other things, but our focus is going to be on deciding what to do with Husky Stadium because it does drive this train,” Turner said.

His wish list is quite long. It includes a renovated Husky Stadium, new football operations center, a relocated track, renovated baseball and soccer stadiums and renovated locker rooms.

It was the same presentation Turner gave to the university’s regents two weeks ago, when he received approval to move forward with a four- to six-month period of studying all options and developing a plan.