Early in the next century, the UW could see a renovated Hec Edmundson Pavilion, three new athletic facilities, a remodeled crew house and more scholarships for student-athletes, thanks to a $36 million campaign launched Sept. 19.
“This is a great day for Husky athletics,” said President Richard L. McCormick. “It will give our student-athletes facilities so that they will be all they can be.”
In announcing the Campaign for the Student Athlete, Intercollegiate Athletics Director Barbara Hedges said, “It will create a state of the art facility in a village setting on the shores of Lake Washington. It will benefit all of the students at the University of Washington.” The fund-raising effort has already raised $19 million, she added.
The campaign is part of a $70 million major facilities program. The University will contribute $10 million toward the renovation of Hec Ed Pavilion. The remaining $24 million will come from athletic department reserves, corporate sponsorships, and a capital improvement fee charged to season ticket holders.
The biggest project is the $38 million renovation of Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Architects plan to remove support columns inside the upper seating area, eliminating obstructed views that have plagued fans for 70 years. Plans also call for expanding seating to about 10,000.
The UW would lose its home court for one season, with the renovation starting in spring 1999 and ending by November 2000.
Construction on the $16 million indoor practice facility would also begin in spring 1999. There are four possible sites for the 100,000-square-foot structure, all in the vicinity of the IMA Building or Husky Stadium.
While the UW is already building a new baseball field and a new soccer field, the final facilities will depend on the amount raised during the campaign. For the time being, both will use temporary bleachers.
Renovations for the Conibear Crew House include better dining/study facilities and remodeled crew quarters. The campaign also includes plans to endow student-athlete scholarships.
The size of the capital improvement fee for season ticket holders is still under consideration. The fee will begin with the 1998-99 academic year.