May 5, 1999
Cox Communications and the Thomas & Mack Center announced today that a new partnership has been forged in an effort to bring a new facility to UNLV and the Las Vegas community. As a part of a $5 million agreement, Cox Communications has secured the naming rights for the facility as well as opportunities with sponsorship and hospitality.
Scheduled to open in the spring of 2000, the Cox Pavilion will be a multi purpose, state-of-the-art venue connected to the Thomas & Mack Center. The pavilion will feature three levels. The ground floor will feature new men's and women's locker facilities, player lounges and other amenities. The middle level will be divided into separate courts for basketball and volleyball, and the third level will be a multi purpose venue with a seating capacity for 4,000. The top level will feature a balcony and padded, retractable seating throughout.
Pat Christenson, Director for the Thomas & Mack Center, stated "We are very excited about the possibilities the Cox Pavilion will bring to UNLV and Las Vegas. The opportunities for UNLV athletics and booking new special events are unlimited. We look forward to building a strong relationship with Cox Communications Las Vegas."
The Cox Pavilion will host a variety of events including small concerts, boxing events, theater style family shows, corporate parties, trade shows and other events. UNLV will also be able to host a variety of functions such as honors' convocations, state of the university addresses, college commencement ceremonies, academic conferences and the classified staff awards.
Jill Campbell, Vice President and General Manager for Cox Communications Las Vegas, indicated, "Cox is committed to being a visible and active partner with the community. Since education is the cornerstone of our community relations efforts, this partnership with UNLV allows us to support our premier University as well as benefitting Southern Nevada by providing a venue for a wide variety of local and national events."
Today's announcement is not the first between Cox Communications and UNLV. Previously, Cox has been a strong supporter of the Hank Greenspun School of Communication. Cox Communications recently donated $200,000 to the school to help upgrade the TV production equipment. Cox Communications has also pledged $150,000 per year for use in establishing a new cable television education channel that will be operated by a partnership that includes UNLV, the Community College of Southern Nevada and the Clark County School District. A matching $150,000 will be contributed by Cox's five local franchising authorities Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City for a yearly contribution of $300,000.
Dr. Carol Harter, President of UNLV, stated "We are pleased that Cox, a relatively new member of the Southern Nevada corporate community, has chosen to take an active role in supporting both academics and athletics at UNLV. The new Cox Pavilion, like Cox's donation of television equipment and their annual support for a new cable television education channel, will benefit the community in many ways."
Charles Cavagnaro, UNLV Director of Athletics, has been very enthusiastic about this project since its inception. "We are excited because the Cox Pavilion is an important part of the equation for some of UNLV's athletic programs. The new facility will ensure that our coaches have the tools to continue to be competitive at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. The student athletes of tomorrow are seeking excellent practice and competition facilities in which to spend their college careers."
The Thomas & Mack Center is currently undergoing a massive renovation which will bring new amenities and features to the 15-year-old facility. The renovation scheduled to be completed this fall will include padded seats throughout the arena, reconfigured stairways and escalators, new concourse interior design, new directional signage, new ticket offices, fun zones featuring a variety of interactive activities, upgraded concession stands, brighter restrooms, a new video and scoring system and much more.
To learn more about the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium renovation projects please visit our web site at www.thomasandmack.com.
Booking inquiries for the new Cox Pavilion should be directed to Daren Libonati at
702-895-0992.
Additional Quotes
Regarding The New Cox Pavilion
UNLV Men's Basketball Coach Bill Bayno
"I'm extremely excited about the opportunities and advantages that the new
pavilion will provide for not just the basketball program but the university and the entire Las Vegas community. For us, a replica practice court which simulates the Thomas & Mack Center atmosphere, it's going to be a tremendous improvement on the North Gym. It will also provide us with a first class locker room, player lounge and other amenities. It's going to be beneficial to our recruiting."
UNLV Women's Basketball Coach Regina Miller
"It will enhance the growth and development of our program particularly in the recruiting area. Anytime a new state-of-the-art facility is built, it is a huge attraction for prospective student athletes. The renovation of the Thomas & Mack Center and the addition of the pavilion will enable us to compete at the highest levels of college basketball."
UNLV Volleyball Coach Deitre Collins
"It means the world to UNLV volleyball. I think it is great timing for us as we continue to grow and it will only enhance our recruiting efforts. We will now have a venue that we can finally call home. The pavilion will also provide us with the opportunity to host preseason and postseason NCAA competition which we were unable to do in the past."
