Pauley Pavilion Renovation Plan Moving Forward

By Bruin Basketball Report

Completion of renovation to coincide with Coach John Wooden's 100th birthday in 2010.

For historical perspective read:  BBR: Will Pauley Pavilion Get Face-lift Soon?

UCLA has taken formal steps toward a major renovation of legendary Pauley Pavilion. The university is committed to restoring Pauley Pavilion, home to championship Basketball, Gymnastics and Volleyball teams, prominent events and essential student-related activities, to a world-class athletic and cultural venue.

Pauley Pavilion is one of the most recognized and historically significant collegiate facilities in the United States. Opened in 1965 at a cost of $5.2 million, the arena, designed by well known architect Welton Becket and Coach John Wooden, was made possible by the philanthropy of Edwin and Barbara Pauley and a group of donors who matched the Pauley family gift.

Pauley Pavilion has become an integral part of UCLA's campus, positively enriching UCLA's academic and athletic programs and the Los Angeles community. It has served as the home court for 38 NCAA championship teams, hosted renowned entertainers including Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti, welcomed the world during the 1984 Olympics, hosted a 1988 Presidential debate, and staged graduation ceremonies for thousands of UCLA alumni. These special moments have made Pauley Pavilion a remarkable destination.

Improvements to Pauley Pavilion's arena floor level include adding new locker rooms in addition to upgrading the arena's existing locker rooms, and adding a video room, a media room, a medical treatment area and dedicated practice facilities. Additional concession areas, restrooms and modern arena technology will enhance students' and fans' game-day experience. The facility's life-safety and security features will also be upgraded with improvements including handrails in vertical aisle ways and modified stairwells. Designs under consideration include a main lobby that would serve as a central entrance and would celebrate UCLA's illustrious athletic tradition and redevelopment of the area between Spaulding Field and the arena, both of which may be used by the broader UCLA community. Other concepts being considered include a new retractable seating system that will bring fans (behind the baselines) closer to the court and other seating changes to improve fan experience.

UCLA Athletics, led by Director of Athletics, Dan Guerrero, has established an active volunteer leadership committee to assist in the design and funding of this exciting and timely project. Coach John Wooden has agreed to serve as the committee's Honorary Chair. Committee members include Chair, Richard Bergman, who previously served as Chair of the UCLA College of Letters and Science Capital Campaign Committee; Vice Chair, Matthew Pauley, who is the grandson of Edwin Pauley; Vice Chair, Ron Conway, a longtime Bruin supporter, and several other distinguished UCLA community leaders and former student-athletes.

UCLA Athletics is presently in the process of generating funding for the project and has developed a list of potential naming opportunities for prospective donors to be recognized for various levels of contributions to the project. The goal is to dedicate the restored Pauley Pavilion on October 14, 2010, to honor Coach John Wooden on his 100th birthday.

UCLA Capital Programs recently published a request for qualifications (RFQ)(see link) to begin the formal process to retain an Executive Architect for the renovation and expansion of Pauley Pavilion. Interested parties have until January 16, 2007 to respond with a package documenting their relevant experience. UCLA has formed a selection committee to evaluate potential candidates and anticipates having an Executive Architect in place during the first quarter of 2007.

Source: UCLA Athletics