May 11, 2015

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LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV will soon be home to one of the nation's top baseball facilities as construction of the Anthony and Lyndy Marnell III Baseball Clubhouse was announced Monday.

The building, with an estimated project cost of $2.75 million, will be entirely constructed through the public sector and then gifted to the University. Construction on the state-of-the-art building will begin immediately with a completion date slated for spring 2016.

The Marnell family, along with other donors, saw the need for a new facility and entered a land lease agreement with the University in order to construct the future home of UNLV Baseball. Rafael Construction Inc. is the general contractor.

"Today is a celebration of the invaluable partnership between UNLV Athletics and the community it serves," UNLV Director of Athletics Tina Kunzer-Murphy said. "By making this impressive building a reality, Anthony and Lyndy Marnell and their wonderful family are not just elevating UNLV Baseball but also become the latest shining example of how much Las Vegas loves its Rebels. We truly thank them for this momentous gift and cannot wait for the grand opening next year."

The clubhouse will be located down the first base line inside Earl E. Wilson Stadium, replacing the existing batting cages, and will sit adjacent to the Lied Athletic Complex.

"UNLV baseball is on the rise, and we need facilities to keep pace with our goals for the program's continued growth and success," said UNLV President Len Jessup. "Because of the generosity of the Marnell family, our student-athletes will have access to top-quality training, equipment and related amenities that rivals the best programs in the country."

The clubhouse will be a two-story complex that has a total of 10,000 square feet and will include coaches offices, a players lounge, an academic area, a team locker room as well as training and equipment areas on the first level. Two indoor batting cages, a weight room and conditioning areas will make up the top floor along with a patio that overlooks the stadium.

"This is a fantastic day for our baseball program," UNLV head coach Tim Chambers said. "I've known Anthony for many years. I coached him as a young man and have watched him grow into a very successful businessman and community leader. In this era of collegiate athletics, outside support is crucial for long-term success. Anthony, his wife Lyndy and their entire family are proving that with this generous investment. This project will allow our baseball program to compete at a much higher level and help in the growth of our student-athletes. I am extremely grateful for their contributions and look forward to the impact it will have not only on our University, but the entire baseball community in Las Vegas."

Marnell took part in an official groundbreaking ceremony at the University on Monday.

"Lyndy and I are very excited to be able to give this gift to UNLV, Tim Chambers and all of the current and future student-athletes," Marnell said. "Tim Chambers has been a mentor to me for many years and I'm so proud of his accomplishments in our community and at UNLV. This will be a game changer for UNLV Baseball and we wish them many years of success."

ANTHONY MARNELL III

Anthony Marnell III is the President and minority owner of the M Resort Spa Casino. He is the son of casino-building pioneer Tony Marnell II, who built, owned and operated the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Marnell, under the direction of his father, learned the intricate details of the fast-paced, high action casino industry and worked his way through the Rio, learning all aspects of the business, eventually serving as the company's as the Vice President. He also was the Vice President, VIP Marketing for Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. following its acquisition of the Rio. Marnell has been as the helm of many organizations over the years and on March 1, 2009, he successfully helped open the M Resort on time and under budget. Also in 2009 he was named one of Southern Nevada's "50 Most Influential" by In Business Las Vegas and one of Southern Nevada's "20/20 Visionaries" by Nevada Business magazine. Marnell has been heavily involved with the Las Vegas community and currently is a Board Member of Tuscany Research Institute and was appointed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 2014 by Gov. Brian Sandoval. Marnell, who was born and raised in Las Vegas, attended the University of Arizona on a baseball scholarship until he was offered a professional baseball contract with the San Diego Padres. After a two-year stint in the Padres farm system, he returned to Las Vegas and completed his education with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration from UNLV in 1998. Marnell and his wife Lyndy are the proud parents of three children: Rex, Anthony IV and Ariana.