Financial Commitment Attracts Donation to Green Wave
Acting on the recommendation of the university's administration, the Tulane University Board of Administrators gave a vote of confidence to Green Wave athletics by approving a universitywide budget that includes a significant increase for the athletics department.
Construction will begin in November on the uptown campus for this $13 million basketball and volleyball practice facility. (Rendering from Tulane athletics)
The board's action prompted Doug Hertz, an Atlanta businessman and the chair of the Tulane Board Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, to make the naming gift for Tulane University's new $13 million basketball and volleyball practice facility.
“It all starts from the top”, says Hertz, “and the board's support, coupled with President Scott Cowen's plan for the future of the department, shows me that there is a renewed commitment for Tulane athletics. I also feel that as a board member it's important to lead the way by making a gift that will make a difference.
“Now that Tulane has gained so much momentum academically, it is my hope that the university's decision to invest more in its athletics program will create a renaissance for Tulane athletics, enhance the collegiate experience for all of our students and spark some excitement among our fans,” adds Hertz.
“This is another milestone for Tulane's intercollegiate athletics program,” says Rick Dickson, athletics director. “It's a much-needed facility that will give our student-athletes and coaches an immediate boost.”
Construction on the 43,000-square-foot building will begin in November adjacent to the Goldring Tennis Center on Ben Weiner Drive on the uptown campus. Scheduled for completion during the fall of 2011, it is being designed by GouldEvans Associates, with Lee Ledbetter & Associates.
The two-story practice facility will have two regulation basketball/volleyball courts; a conditioning, training and hydrotherapy center; video and film room; offices and locker rooms for men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball; and several conference rooms.
The athletics department's budget has been enhanced to bring it more in line with the other private universities in Conference USA. The decision was made on the recommendation of President Cowen after a series of presentations that outlined the competitive advantages and disadvantages of the Green Wave in 2009-10 compared to other private universities in Conference USA and other non-automatic qualifying conferences.
The increase in the budget will support team travel, recruiting efforts, training and conditioning, and will accommodate two new sports. As a result, the department will be operating at a fully funded level in all 16 programs.
“When you look at the new practice facility plus the approval of the investment plan and the financial vote of confidence by the university, you see the future of Tulane athletics is very bright,” says Dickson.
