The University athletics department's 20-year-old plan to replace University Hall will come closer to fruition with a large financial gift of $20 million, University President John T. Casteen announced Friday.
A donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, gave the department $20 million to help fund the beginning stages of the proposed arena.
"This extraordinary commitment is wonderful news for men's and women's basketball. The need for a new facility is clear. The larger community also will benefit. We are deeply grateful to the donor for expressing a firm dedication to excellence through this gift," Casteen said.
The donation is the second-largest single gift ever given to the athletics department. Carl W. Smith gave $25 million in 1997 to renovate Scott Stadium.
The donation is a "tremendous gesture and hopefully it will be the first domino," said Tommy Herrion, an assistant coach for the men's basketball team. "The new arena will allow us to attract wonderful players to our university."
Women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan also said she is excited about the donation and the future of women's basketball in a new arena. "Our facility situation has impacted our program. It is time for a more modern facility," she said.
The athletics department must raise between $60 and $70 million to get a commitment to begin construction, and the cost of the entire project is estimated at $125 million, said Barry Parkhill, associate athletics director for development.
Officials said they believe the donation will also help bring in more gifts for the new building.
"Initially, [the donation] sends a message that people are serious about their commitment to this," interim athletics director Craig Littlepage said. It could "serve as an impetus for others and build on the momentum."
According to Parkhill, the new arena will be built north of University Hall's main entrance, across Massie Road.
The proposed building will have between 12,000 and 15,000 seats and will be more than an arena for sports. It will be a "special events center," Parkhill said.
The building will be used for large events, such as concerts, that are ill-suited for University Hall, Parkhill added.
Parkhill said the department expects to have an architect on contract by the end of the summer and the expected completion date is fall 2006.
Parkhill also said the athletics department is still unsure about the fate of 36-year old University Hall, which seats only about 8,500 for a basketball game.
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