UH Chancellor/President Renu Khatur, Fred Hofheinz, Tillman Fertitta and Coach Kevin Sampson celebrate a ‘love fest’ as the renaming of Hofheinz Pavillion becomes official
I know I may be speaking ‘old news’ to many of you in our town that has heard about the UH big happenings last week but it’s very special to me and I could not let it go unnoticed…..as a UH Alumn and long time supporter of all involved, I’m so excited about all of this.
It all began with plans for a $60 million major renovation to the basketball stadium, a building that I remember well, from my Graduation day and then for my two daughters that went to Lamar High School that also held their graduation commencement there as well…..very special place to our family!
When Tilman Fertitta contributed $20 million to this project, the discussion on naming came up and after much discussion it was decided that UH who would be forever grateful to the Hofheinz family for what they did for the university in 1969 would compromise and that the center would be called Fertitta Center. In front there will be a Hofheinz plaza complete with a bronze statue of the legendary builder and philanthropist as well as a longtime UH supporter.
At the press conference at UH Hilton Waldorf Astoria Ballroom, Fertitta said “What an honor it is for me to take this facility to the next level. It is a great day and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
The renovation’s upgrades we’re hopeful will be help to secure membership in the much discussed Big 12.