Runnin' Rebels to get new state-of-the-art practice facility from donor group
UNLV has announced a plan by a group of donors to construct a new, state-of-the-art basketball practice facility on its campus.
The facility will be built entirely through the private sector and, upon completion of construction, will be gifted to the university.
The group, led by
Bob Mendenhall, also includes
Maury Gallagher, Bill Paulos, Bill Wortman and
Hope Anstett. They saw the need for a new facility and together created a 501.c.3 corporation that will build the new Mendenhall Center through Mendenhall's construction company.
"The effort of these supporters will make a huge impact on this program for years to come," said UNLV head coach
Lon Kruger. "We have great crowds, a great arena and will soon have one of the best practice facilities in the nation. Those are a lot of good reasons to want to play basketball for UNLV."
The Mendenhall Center will be attached to the south side of the Cox Pavilion and will have a total of 38,000 square feet of space on three levels. Included will be two basketball courts, an academic area and film room, locker rooms, athletic training, strength and conditioning, and equipment areas.
"This is a great day for our athletics program as well as our university," UNLV Athletics Director
Jim Livengood said. "Today we are launching a project that will be a major asset to UNLV. The generosity of our donors is a testament to the excitement and enthusiasm that exists in this city and with our athletics program."
Groundbreaking is scheduled for this spring with a tentative completion date of spring 2011.
"Basketball has been a major `friend raiser' for UNLV for years," said UNLV President
Neal Smatresk. "In this fiscally challenging time for UNLV, we could not have done this without this generous gift. This facility will help take the Runnin' Rebel basketball program to the next level of success and will build an enduring legacy for our fans."
To learn more about the individuals who make up the donor group, please
click here to read the complete release on UNLVRebels.com.
Click here to see renderings of the Mendenhall Center on UNLVRebels.com.