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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Ubben Basketball Complex expansion and renovation received its second seven-figure donation as a former Illinois men's basketball player, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged $2 million. The gift brings the total amount of announced giving to $3 million for the $30 million project.
"As was the case with the Smith Center project, former student-athletes have embraced our vision for the future of Illinois Basketball and have taken a significant role in moving this Ubben project forward," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "As a former basketball player, our generous donor understands the many benefits that this expansion and renovation will provide in terms of student-athlete training, team development, and the recruitment of the best talent to Illinois. We are forever grateful to our many former student-athletes who are proud of their University and who are continually striving to join us in making it better."
The 20-year-old Ubben Basketball Complex will undergo a facelift that will more than double the square footage of the building. Improvements will benefit both the men's and women's programs and will include additional court space, state-of-the-art sports medicine facilities, an enhanced strength and conditioning area, study spaces, expanded staff offices, and modern student-athlete amenities in new locker rooms and team areas.
"This generous gift will have a major impact on both of the Illinois basketball programs, and we are grateful for the support of this faithful former player," Head Women's Basketball Coach Nancy Fahey said. "We know it will make a difference in the lives of our Fighting Illini and we are excited to watch as the momentum for the Ubben Basketball Complex project continues to grow. The project got a big push forward today and we are thankful to our alumni for standing with us."
Immediately after the Ubben Basketball Complex opened in 1998, the Illinois men's basketball program won five Big Ten regular season championships, won the Big Ten Tournament twice and, starting in 2000, appeared in the NCAA Tournament nine straight years including the National Championship game in 2005.
"Illinois Basketball is a family, and it's a family for life. That's what it is for our alums, who wore the uniform and have years of sweat equity invested in the Orange and Blue," Head Men's Basketball Coach Brad Underwood said. "To have one of our former players step up and make such a significant investment in the program's future says a great deal. It's the pay-it-forward mentality you love to see from a from a former student-athlete, paving the way for those who will follow, and makes a direct impact in our march to lead Fighting Illini Basketball back to the top."
The Ubben renovation and expansion will add approximately 45,000 square feet to the existing structure, while remodeling more than 8,300 square feet of existing space. New office space and areas to host recruits and small groups will also be a part of the project. Two new half courts will be added to both the women's and men's current gym space, giving the two programs additional space to work on development while not disrupting full-court action. The project will feature a two-story strength and conditioning room, will triple the size of the locker rooms and player lounges, and include a state-of-the-art sports medicine area.
"This gift is yet another example of the extraordinary support we enjoy from our generous donor base and will have an enormous impact on both our men's and women's basketball programs," Senior Associate Athletics Director Howard Milton said.
The $30 million Ubben Basketball Complex expansion is a capital project included in the DIA's $300 million fundraising goal, which is part of "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
