by Annie Dankelson | Rendering courtesy of Maryland Athletics
Maryland Athletics has launched a fundraising campaign to build a basketball practice facility for its men’s and women’s teams.
The $36 million Basketball Performance Center will be adjacent to the Xfinity Center and feature two full-size practice courts, a strength and conditioning facility, locker rooms, lounges, sports medicine facilities and office space.
“(This facility) will usher in a new era of success for basketball,” Athletic Director Damon Evans said at an October news conference.
The project is supported by donors and other Athletics revenues. The athletic department raised $20 million toward the building by December, with longtime Maryland basketball supporter Harvey Sanders ’72 helping to drive the effort.
Construction on the 60,000-square-foot facility is expected to take 36 months once fully funded.
UMD is the only Big Ten Conference school without a dedicated practice facility for both basketball teams. Coaches hope the new center will alleviate scheduling conflicts at Xfinity’s main court, expand some Olympic sports, accommodate more events and shows, and give Maryland a competitive edge in recruiting.
“With both programs, we’ve been able to attract the best players in the country year in and year out,” women’s Head Coach Brenda Freese said. “To be able to layer that with one of the best practice facilities (makes it a) very, very exciting day.”
