UCLA Announces Plans For A New Basketball Facility

Yesterday, UCLA announced plans for a new basketball facility for both the men’s and women’s teams. The new building is set to host an array of amenities for both basketball programs which include locker rooms, training areas and practice gyms. Funds will be privately raised to pay for the new facility, which will be located on the south side of the LA Tennis Center, west of Pauley Pavilion. According to uclabruins.com:

"The project, estimated to cost between $30 and $40 million, will be funded by private donations. A feasibility study analyzed the site conditions, and the university has elected to move the project forward with a request for proposal to select an architect. The selected firm will work directly with Guerrero, men’s head basketball coach Steve Alford, women’s head basketball coach Cori Close, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the university to develop the size, layout and renderings of the proposed facility. As funding thresholds are achieved, project construction will begin."

One of the more interesting aspects of the project, is that it will be a ‘green building’.

"Designed to meet the requirements and intent of the University of California Regent’s Policy on Sustainable Practices as it pertains to green building design and energy efficiency, the UCLA basketball practice facility will be required to achieve a LEED Gold rating."

The LEED Gold rating certifies that the building will “cost less to operate and maintain; are energy- and water-efficient; have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings in their markets; are healthier and safer for occupants; and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.” Click here for information on the LEED Building Certification System. Click here for the website to the new UCLA basketball facility.

Despite the hefty price tag, this is just another way of showing that UCLA Athletics and their programs are striving to be the best in college sports. The new Pauley Pavilion opened at the start of the 2012-13 season and has been a gem for the Bruins. The football program will soon have their own Performance Center, which looks to be amazing. At this point, you can pretty much guarantee that a state-of-the-art practice facility for basketball will only add to the prestige of UCLA Athletics.

Go Green! Go Bruins!

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco