UA boosters commit $8M for massive indoor sports center on campus

Arizona's new indoor sports center has a name. 

The Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center will serve as the practice facility for Arizona's football team and as a gathering place for fans on game days. The UA announced Friday that the Davises have committed $8 million toward the ongoing construction of the project, which is scheduled to open early next year.

The couple has given Arizona's athletic department $18 million total in donations. The Davises helped pay to renovate McKale Center and financed a strength and conditioning center adjacent to Richard Jefferson Gymnasium, among other projects.

The Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center is a $15 million facility being built just east of Arizona Stadium on the old site of Kindall/Sancet Stadium, spanning from East Sixth Street to the Ginny L. Clements Academic Center.  It includes a 90-yard field with a 10-yard end zone. The climate-controlled facility will be open to fans on game days as part of athletic director Dave Heeke's plan to improve the game-day experience at Arizona Stadium.

"The Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center is going to have an immediate impact on the development of our student-athletes," UA football coach Kevin Sumlin said. "We will be able to shape our off-season work, training camp and in-season practices in a way that allows us to maximize what we do with our team. On behalf of our entire football program, I am grateful for the tremendous support from Cole and Jeannie. Their generosity is an incredible example of our university's vision and commitment to the success of our student-athletes."

UA president Robert C. Robbins called it "a transformative gift."

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"The Davises' commitment to the success of student-athletes, in every sense of the word, goes well beyond their financial support," he said. "With warmth and genuine affection, Cole and Jeannie have made an effort to get to know these talented young people over the years and have been a source of inspiration and encouragement. In so many ways, Cole and Jeannie have made an incredible and lasting mark on the University of Arizona, and we are so grateful for their partnership. "

Cole Davis is an Indiana graduate who sold Keystone RV Co. for $141 million in 2001, then moved to Tucson.

"What we love about our community and the University of Arizona is the people," he said. "Our passion in Tucson is helping young men and women aspire for greatness and achieve their dreams. Student-athletes at Arizona compete at the highest levels as part of a team, strive for success in the classroom and aim to make a difference in our community."

The Sports Center is part of a $66 million plan to upgrade the UA's sports facilities, which includes McKale Center, Arizona Stadium, Hillenbrand Aquatic Center and Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. Student fees, donor contributions and Pac-12 media rights revenue will help fund the projects. 

Take a look at renderings of Arizona's new and improved athletic facilities

Indoor sports center

Updated Mar 24, 2018

Construction for the university's new indoor sports complex is slated to begin sometime in April, with a quick completion date expected in December. The $15 million facility will sit across the street from Arizona Stadium on the old site of Sancet Stadium, spanning from East Sixth Street to the new Ginny L. Clements Academic Center. 

Among the upgrades, according to the UA's Capital Campaign:

• 90-yard field with a 10-yard end zone.
• Full-width, climate-controlled space for training and conditioning amongst other opportunities.

Hillenbrand Stadium

Updated Mar 24, 2018

Hillenbrand Stadium will receive its first major renovation since 2006 after the Wildcats' season ends, with upgrades to the press box and seating area behind home plate. The softball stadium opened in 1993 and has since seen upgrades from outfield bleachers and a new video board, to the facility's weather-resistant infield. 

The $8 million project is expected to be completed by the start of the 2019 softball season.

Hillenbrand Aquatic Center

Updated Mar 24, 2018

The UA's aquatic center will get upgrades to its pools, diving well, pump and plumbing. Hillenbrand's 50-meter pool will expand and the facility will get four new 25-yard short course lanes, all to the delight of new Arizona swim coach Augie Busch. The center hasn't received a significant upgrade since 2008, when the UA added a state-of-the-art diving well.

The $15 million project is expected to begin April 1 and finish by Jan. 1, 2019. Among the upgrades, according to the UA's Capital Campaign:

• Rebuild and expand the 50-meter pool to 65 meters, including the old diving well.
• Increase the number of 25-yard short course lanes from 18 to 22.
• Replace and significantly upgrade the pump and plumbing infrastructure.

McKale Center locker rooms

Updated Mar 24, 2018

The $1.5 million upgrades to McKale Center's lower concourse will be for new and remodeled locker rooms. The UA gave McKale a $30 million facelift in 2014, which included new and expanded locker rooms for the men's and women's basketball teams and volleyball team. It also added film rooms and lounge areas.

The new renovations will add locker rooms for other programs at the UA. The project will commence Monday, with a goal of being completed by Aug. 15.

Among the upgrades, according to the UA's Capital Campaign:

• Working in the lower concourse in the old academic and lab-space area.
• New locker rooms for men’s golf, soccer, men’s tennis, and women’s track and field/xc.
• Remodeled locker rooms for women’s swimming and diving and men’s track and field/xc.

Plans and information for all of the school's upcoming upgrades to athletic facilities can be viewed on its new "Capital Campaign" page.