Convocation Center Construction Is Well Underway
June 11, 2002
Convocation Center Online
CORAL GABLES, FL – Construction of the University of MiamiConvocation Center, the future home of Miami men’s and women’s basketballand the University’s first large-capacity venue for other educational,cultural, and community events is well underway.
The construction is clearly visible from both US1 and Ponce de LeonBoulevard where motorists and pedestrians passing the Coral Gables campuscan view workers completing construction of the facility’s roof and frontstairwell.
Inside the building, work has begun on the coaches’ and team’slocker rooms, and preparations are being made to begin construction of theplaying surface.
The $48 million facility, totally funded through private donations,is scheduled for completion in January 2003. With seating for 7,000, theConvocation Center will provide the University and the Coral Gablescommunity with a facility designed for a wide array of uses.
“The Convocation Center will not only enhance Hurricane Basketball,”said UM’s Athletic Director Paul Dee, “but it will benefit the entirecommunity. And, it is being built solely through private funds. Whencompleted, the Convocation Center will provide UM with a much needed focalpoint for campus activities.”
In addition to becoming the home of University of Miami basketballit will provide an abundance of opportunities ranging from academic andathletic to campus and community.
“I am very excited about this dream becoming a reality,” said headmen’s basketball coach Perry Clark. “I think the Convocation Center willgive us the opportunity to continue to build on our recent success and dosome very special things in the future.”
The 200,000 square foot facility will provide new opportunities topresent major indoor events and provide addition space for academicactivities. The list of possible events includes: NCAA Division I men’s andwomen’s basketball games, area high school basketball championships,commencement, orientation, convocation, theatrical productions, concerts,student government activities, alumni social events, class reunions,employment fairs and career days, cultural events and town meetings.
“This is a very exciting,” said head women’s basketball coach FerneLabati. “I am especially excited for the student-athletes who have committedto the program and for the entire University family. The Convocation Centeris the final piece of the puzzle we need to make Miami basketball among thebest in the nation.”
The facility is conveniently located close to the UniversityMetrorail Station off Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
In addition to the Convocation Center construction, work has alsobegun on a three-story expansion to the parking garage on Ponce de LeonBoulevard.
For information on the Convocation Center, call Jeremy Lamb at305-284-6716.
