The Gym-Armory has seen its share of history — from varsity basketball games in the 1930s to military balls, intramural sports and church services. But Friday night the historic building entered a new era as officials dedicated it as the new Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes.
University officials literally rolled out the red carpet for the grand opening gala as representatives from Tiger Athletic Foundation and Cox Communications — the chief fund-raisers for the facility — handed over the keys to Chancellor Mark Emmert.
Emmert praised TAF for its speedy work in revamping the center, noting it takes an average of 12 years for the state to build a new facility.
“From when we said ‘Go,’ the design was done, the money was raised and the work was done. And 28 months later, here we are,” he said.
Emmert addressed a crowd of about 300 in the center’s crown jewel — a 1,000-seat auditorium, complete with Internet portals in every seat. The auditorium will house several University classes beginning next semester but also will be used for special events.
“When distinguished speakers come, this is where they will speak,” he said. “When we have great gatherings of students, when Nobel laureates come to campus, this is where they will be.”
TAF donors, corporate sponsors, University faculty and members of the campus community toured the $15 million facility, wining and dining in the 2,800 square-foot Deumite Library and walking through computer labs, private study rooms and high-ceiling marble halls.
“I don’t think when we started we had any idea it would look like this,” said Richard Manship, chair of the ACSA development council and president and CEO of WBRZ-TV and Capital City Press.
Manship and other TAF officials aggressively sought funds for the facility by traveling across the state and talking to LSU supporters, he said.
TAF President Richard Sturlese said the ACSA is the best example of the fund-raising work the foundation does for the Athletic Department.
“Without a doubt, no matter what you bring to us in the future, this is the greatest accomplishment for athletics and academics,” he said.
Cox Communications donated $5 million and other services to the Athletic Department for the naming rights of the facility.
“Our participation here is just another in a string of efforts to give back to the community,” said CEO Jim Robbins.
TAF officials praised Emmert for his support of the project and other TAF endeavors.
“We want to be known for one thing, and that’s excellence in everything we do — whether it’s football or physics,” Emmert said.