Northwestern basketball announced today that they’re fixing the biggest problem that they have as a program. NU plays in Welsh-Ryan Arena, a 8,117 capacity facility erected in 1961, but feels like 1861 in certain facets, especially when juxtaposed against the likes of Big Ten’s bigger and better venues.
Two years ago, Northwestern basketball unveiled a new video board, the first ever for W-R, and the only major upgrade the facility has seen since 1983. Now, they’re going all in, with a facelift that will cost $110 million and modernize the facility. This is a huge, HUGE day for NU basketball, as they take a giant step towards becoming a legitimate Big Ten program.
“Simply stated, this is a historic moment for the future of Northwestern Athletics,” said a statement attributed to Jim Phillips, vice president for athletics and recreation.
“There are no greater champions for Northwestern than Pat and Shirley Ryan. We never will appropriately convey our gratitude for their vision and generosity, which have made a seismic impact on our University and generations of students. In addition, we are also incredibly appreciative of Steve and Sue Wilson’s continued unconditional support and leadership; they are truly two of our very best Wildcats.”
Yes, the Ryan family, whose name prefixes so many important buildings in the Northwestern Athletic Department, they are the individuals providing the major bankroll here.
Patrick Ryan. a ’59 NU graduate said via statement: “Providing the funding for Welsh-Ryan Arena more than 30 years ago was one of our first major gifts to Northwestern, so we’re very pleased to now provide the necessary support for Northwestern Athletics to continue on its upward trajectory. We’re looking forward to seeing Northwestern’s teams in what promises to be a terrific space.”
Construction will begin at the conclusion of the basketball season in March 2017 with anticipated completion by fall 2018.
It hasn’t been determined yet where Northwestern basketball will play during the time in which the Welsh undergoes its renovation. This project will accomplish many things but the most important of which is expanding the lobbies by 50% It’s sorely needed. A new arena will be a huge boon to Northwestern basketball coach Chris Collins, who’s made some hits in recruiting, but has yet to parlay those solid recruiting gets into substantial progress above anything Bill Carmody accomplished yet.
Now he’ll have the opportunity to sell facilities light years ahead of the current status quo to recruits. That should be a huge advantage.
There will be new and better seating, concessions stands, toilets, practice court area expansion…pretty much everything will improve.
Yep, this is a big day for Northwestern basketball fans.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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