Tampa-based R.R. Simmons Construction Corp. was selected by the University of South Florida to work with the architecture firm Populous to design-build several new athletic facilities for the school. The $30-million project includes the construction of training and playing facilities for softball and baseball; practice fields for football; and a basketball training center.

Current football practice facilities will be moved and expanded, and a new artificial playing surface installed.

A 50,580-sq-ft basketball training center for the men’s and women’s teams will house practice courts, locker rooms, weight training centers, sports medicine facilities, film and video facilities, and administrative offices.

R.R. Simmons expected to break ground in April and have the new venues ready for the 2011 seasons.