The Ward Family of Russell Stover Candies and several anonymous individuals have committed a total of $12 million to the Kansas University Athletic Corporation, KU athletic director Lew Perkins announced Saturday.
KUAC will use the funds to build a Hall of Athletics and for major renovations to Allen Fieldhouse. Perkins said the renovations will take one of the best basketball venues in the nation and simply make it better.
“This will not change the integrity, history or tradition of Allen Fieldhouse in any way,” Perkins said. “The goal of this project is to make physical improvements to Allen Fieldhouse, including improving restrooms, windows, paint, lockerrooms and the general cleanliness of the building.”
Head men’s basketball coach Bill Self and interim head women’s coach Lynette Woodard also stressed the importance of the Fieldhouse project.
“Our staff is extremely thankful for these gifts,” Self said. “This will be the most important project to occur in my tenure at Kansas. We can already sell this building on its history, its tradition and its fan support, but now we’ll also be able to make our facility more visually appealing to the recruits that visit Lawrence.”
“We are very grateful for these generous gifts,” Woodard added. “Allen Fieldhouse is one of the most historic basketball facilities in the country. These improvements will enhance the terrific atmosphere here, and will make Allen an even more special place for the student-athletes and the fans.”
Both projects will take approximately two years to complete, and will not cause any interruption during basketball seasons.
“I want to thank the Ward family and the anonymous donors for their tremendous support of KU athletics,” Perkins said. “These gifts represent a wonderful, wonderful commitment to KU. I believe they are the first of many that will greatly enhance the future of KU athletics. I also want to thank John Hadl, Dana Anderson and the KU Endowment Association for all their hard work, and I certainly want to thank Chancellor Hemenway for his commitment to KU athletics.”
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