Jackson businessman Al Glick was talking with former Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr a few years ago when Carr mentioned the program’s most pressing need: A modern practice facility like those at most every other Big Ten school.

Glick, a longtime Michigan supporter and president of Jackson-based Alro Steel Corp., led a fund-raising effort to get the facility built, securing $8.7 million in donations from his family for a building that cost $26 million total. For that, the university’s board of regents announced last week it would name the structure the Al Glick Field House.

Glick’s son, Randy, and his nephews, Barry and Carl, were among the donors.

“We feel proud to be involved and be able to do what we’ve done, but there are a lot of other people that have contributed," said Glick, 82. "I guess we’re fortunate that they put our family name on it.”

The 104,000-square-foot facility replaces Oosterbaan Fieldhouse, which Glick said was so small “they couldn’t punt or kick in there and they couldn’t throw long passes because the ceiling was too low.”

Turf at the new practice facility is expected to be put down this week, and the building will be open for use next month.

“Winning football is very important, but what it does to promote the university globally and nationally, it’s unbelievable,” Glick said. “To me, it’s a lot more than just plain football. They have to have a winning program.”