Gersten Pavilion, the site of significant updating in recent years, soon will see further renovation designed to catapult LMU athletics to the next level of success. The stature of a university’s athletics programs is partially measured by the quality of its facilities. The Gersten project will allow the university to elevate the quality of its resources for student-athletes and dramatically improve the fan experience.
“Facilities are a significant component of the student-athlete experience, and we want to continue to attract the best student-athletes to our programs,” said Craig Pintens, athletic director. “Because of our academic ranking, location and beautiful campus, we have built-in advantages that other institutions do not have. With the centerpiece of this project being an academic support center, we will take a leadership position in university athletics and provide our student-athletes with the resources necessary to impact the world post-graduation.”
Groundbreaking is scheduled for February 2022, and completion of the project is estimated for 2023.
The Gersten project will allow the university to elevate the quality of its resources for student-athletes and dramatically improve the fan experience.
Planned improvements to the west wing of the building, erected in 1981, will bolster recruitment, upgrade LMU’s ability to host media outlets broadcasting games, and provide improved academic support resources to all 400-plus student-athletes wearing the LMU jersey.
A 7,000-square-foot academic support center will be among the most expansive in Division 1-AAA athletics. By comparison, LMU’s existing academic center of 400 square feet does not contribute to the recruitment of student athletes who are committed to both athletic and academic success.
Building on the recently refreshed Gersten court and seating improvements, the next stage of renovations will move coaches’ suites from the Leavey Center to Gersten while also upgrading meeting space, expanding broadcast capacity.
A state-of-the-art media/video control room will make LMU a more media-friendly venue to broadcasters. Media outlets will have the option of utilizing the control room, allowing a more seamless broadcast and streaming of LMU athletic events, and providing LMU with an opportunity to grow the university’s visibility in Los Angeles and across the country. LMU will be one of the few West Coast universities offering that level of technological capability.
A new, more contemporary Gersten façade will improve access to the facility and create an outdoor recreation and gathering space, making the heart of LMU athletics a more inviting place for alumni and fans.
If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact James Batley, senior associate athletics director for development, at James.Batley@lmu.edu or by phone at 310.338.7880.