The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will review a proposal at its next meeting Thursday on a $19 million relocation and construction project for the new men's and women's track and field facility.

The new track would be at the Athletes Village site on the East Bank. The Recreation Sports Bubble and softball field would be moved to the corner of 6th Street and 25th Avenue SE., where the grain elevators are located.

University President Eric Kaler recommends in the regent documents that the school purchase the land and demolish the grain elevators to create space for the recreational bubble, which will cost $6 million for relocation and construction.

About $13 million is needed for building the new track facility. The total cost of both projects wasn't included in the 2017 annual capital budget, so an amendment must be requested during a future board meeting for the project to proceed.

Timetable for the final design is April 2017. The bubble relocation and track estimated completion dates are November 2017 and August 2018, respectively.

Because of construction of the Athletes Village, Minnesota's track and field teams were displaced to practice at Hamline University. Their new facility is expected to include a 48-inch-wide, nine-lane track with locations for javelin, shot put, discuss/hammer throw, long/triple jump and steeplechase. In order to adhere to Title IX requirements, the project also will include 5,600 square feet for men's and women's locker rooms, a press box, concessions and 4,000-capacity seating area.

Marcus Fuller • 612-673-7570