RYDER Center Demolition Begins

Sept. 23, 1999

CORAL GABLES, FL – The University of Miami has begun demolition of the student apartments located on the corner of Dickinson Drive (West) and Walsh Avenue on the UM campus. The location is the future site of The RYDER Center, a multipurpose facility that will become the home of the University of Miami men’s and women’s basketball programs, among other uses.

The $36 million facility is expected to be completed for the 2001-2002 basketball seasons and is designed as a multipurpose facility serving the entire university community.

The list of possible events includes: NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball games, area high school basketball championships, commencement, orientation, convocation, lectures, conferences, theatrical productions, concerts, student government activities, alumni social events, class reunions, employment fairs and career days, cultural events and town meetings.

When completed, The RYDER Center will become the focal point of the UM athletic department and the surrounding community providing an abundance of opportunities, ranging from academic and athletic to campus and community.

The Hurricanes are currently one of the few major Division I athletic programs in the nation that plays both basketball and football games off campus. The state-of-the-art RYDER Center will be built on the side of campus facing and convenient to the Metro Rail, UM’s new parking garage, student residences and current athletic facilities.