CHAMPAIGN – Starting next century, the Illinois football players won't have to worry about working out in a blizzard or thunderstorm.

Illinois is about to join the rest of the Big Ten and build an indoor practicing facility.

The UI trustees are expected to approve the project Wednesday in Springfield. The work will begin in the spring and be completed by fall of 2000.

"I think the board will think this is a pretty exciting design," said Dave Dressel, UI director of the office for project planning and facility management. "We're not anticipating any problems. This is a really elegant piece of the work."

The building will wipe out the parking lot northeast of the IMPE building. The design includes an 80-yard field with one end zone and a roof high enough for punting.

Illinois coach Ron Turner had a few recruits on campus during the weekend. When they asked about the school's indoor facilities, he pointed to the parking lot and showed them drawings.

"The biggest thing is we're going to have it," Turner said.

Illinois is the only Big Ten school without a permanent indoor facility. The school has used a bubble over Memorial Stadium for more than a decade. But the bubble has been showing signs of wear, so the school either needed to replace it or build a permanent practice home.

"Since I've been here, I've been told it's in the works to get one," Turner said.

Other schools told high school players about Illinois' practice problem.

"I'm sure it has an affect on recruiting," Illini linebacker Danny Clark said. "I went to Northwestern when I was getting recruited and they had one, but it didn't win me over."

Clark won't get to play in the $12.5 million building. His Illinois career ends in 1999.

"I wanted to get a chance to get out there and work out a little bit," Clark said. "It's great for the program and great for the university. I'm looking forward for the guys behind me to enjoy that and profit from it."

Turner likes the convenience of the building. It will be a short walk from the coaching offices and locker rooms. And it's right next to the team's practice fields. The team could spend part of its time outside and move into the building if the weather turns ugly.

The funding will come from private donations, Dressel said.

Besides the construction of the building, the school also will improve the practice fields.

Once the indoor facility is complete, Illinois can consider tearing up the AstroTurf in Memorial Stadium and replacing it with grass.

"That's what we've talked about," Turner said. "I hope and expect it to happen at some point."