The Washington State University Board of Regents approved construction of a new football operations building on Friday, according to an announcement from the university. The building will be located adjacent to Martin Stadium on the Pullman campus.

The $61 million structure, which is being built with the hope of improving the health and safety of student athletes and making the Cougars more competitive in the Pac-12, is being funded by a $46 million in general revenue bonds and money saved after the remdeling of the south side of Martin Stadium last year.

Construction is expected to begin next spring on the structure, which will house new weight, locker, training and equipment rooms, in addition to coaches' offices and meeting rooms. In providing a facility dedicated to Cougars football, the university is hoping to open up space in Bohler Gym for student athletes who play other sports, as well as make the football program more appealing to potential recruits.