UA receives $8 million commitment for new indoor sports complex

The University of Arizona has received a commitment of $8 million toward its new indoor sports complex set to be finalized by the start of 2019.

With their latest contribution, donors Cole and Jeannie Davis have now given $18 million to Arizona athletics with contributions to the Richard Jefferson Gymnasium and McKale Memorial Center.

The new facility, dubbed the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center, is set to have a full-sized practice field with a 65-foot tall ceiling for the Wildcats’ football program.

Building the practice facility is one major step in the University of Arizona’s $66 million commitment to the school’s athletic programs, including improvements and renovations to the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center, Hillenbrand Softball Stadium, McKale Center locker rooms and Arizona Stadium.

As head coach of the Wildcats’ football program, Kevin Sumlin was delighted with the news.

“The Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center is going to have an immediate impact on the development of our student-athletes,” Sumlin said in a press release. “We will be able to shape our off-season work, training camp and in-season practices in a way that allows us to maximize what we do with our team.”

The new facility is not limited to just the football team. It’s expected to be used for practice and training for many of the university’s athletic programs as well as game-day events in an attempt to amplify the Arizona fan experience.

It will replace the former Jerry Kindall Field at Frank Sancet Stadium, which was home to UA’s baseball program until 2012. School President Robert C. Robbins expects the new facilities to have a major impact on the experience of both athletes and fans alike.

“This transformative gift will help us to not only offer an exceptional experience to our student-athletes, but also to offer a gathering place for football fans who visit campus to cheer on the Wildcats,” Robbins said in his press release.