Georgia Tech’s football program will have an indoor practice facility, thanks to a commitment from Mary R. and John F. Brock III, ChE 70, MS ChE 71. An 80,000-square-foot facility will be built on the current site of Rose Bowl Field, Tech’s current practice facility off of Fowler Street.

The cost of the facility is estimated at between $6 million and $7 million, and the Brocks have committed to fund half the total project cost, up to $3.5 million.

“Early in coach Paul Johnson’s tenure, we discussed the importance of having a place where the team could practice away from the elements,” Athletics director Dan Radakovich said. “There have been times recently when we have used the Georgia Dome or the Falcons’ practice facility in Flowery Branch for practice, but it has become increasingly difficult for us to utilize those spaces efficiently.

“This new facility will provide us with significantly more efficiency in scheduling our practice sessions,” Radakovich said.

Johnson knows the impact that the facility can have on the football program.

“Having a new facility will give us many more options,” Johnson said. “Throughout the year, we have thunderstorms that make it unsafe to practice outdoors, and Atlanta summers are well known for their incredible heat. This new facility will prevent any disruption of our practice routine. It will also significantly help with recruiting.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2011 and be completed in time for preseason practice next August.

“We are confident that our gift will encourage other alumni to provide additional financial giving across both academic and athletic opportunities,” said Brock, chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Enterprises. “For many years, Georgia Tech football has been a tremendous source of pride and enjoyment for Mary and me, and we look forward to its continued winning program.”

A member of both the Georgia Tech Foundation and the Alexander-Tharpe Fund boards, Brock also chaired his 40th reunion committee this year.

He previously served as a member of the Georgia Tech Advisory Board and his 25th reunion committee, and he was named a College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus in 1996.

Brock also recently provided funding for two Georgia Research Alliance chairs and eminent scholars in cancer research at both Georgia Tech and Emory University.

Additionally, the Brocks have established the Brock Family Fund, which supports the Child and Adolescent Moods Disorder Program at Emory, and established an undergraduate scholarship for the Georgia Tech School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

“John and Mary Brock are tremendous friends of Georgia Tech and its athletic program,” said Radakovich. “They genuinely enjoy supporting our athletes and watching them compete. We are elated that they have chosen to build this state-of-the-art facility on our campus.”