TicketsMay 11, 2006
As the of prepares to embark on a new chapter in its athletics history, it will be anchored by the development of the . The crown jewel of the village, the , will be dedicated during special grand opening ceremonies planned for May 12th and 13th. In the coming weeks, UCBearcats.com will look at each of the new or upgraded facilities housed within . The final facility featured is the .
, a concoction from the mind of visionary former athletics director Bob Goin, includes everything a student-athlete, coach or staff member could need in an athletics facility. The same can be said for the .
The eight-story building, named after the Cincinnati businessman who graciously donated over $10 million dollars to the university athletics fund, features locker rooms, offices, meeting rooms, ticket office, academics center, weight facilities, and sports medicine facilities all under one roof.
The walkway leading to the entrance of the , known as , is lined with trees, lights and benches. , outside the main entrance, is where the statue of UC legend Oscar Robertson stands.
At 235,000 square feet, the building wraps partially around the north end of Nippert Stadium. The first three levels are all underground, housing locker rooms, the equipment room and a brand a new practice gym. The second level holds a 7,500 square-foot sports medicine suite and a state of the art hydrotherapy room.
The ground level entrance opens into the atrium and UC Hall of Fame and Museum on the fourth floor of the . The athletics ticket and development offices sit just inside the entrance and the Pride Shop, selling Bearcat merchandise and paraphernalia, is nestled next door.
The entire fifth floor is committed to academics, featuring the academics services offices, as well as a study hall, computer lab, tutor rooms and an auditorium with seating for 335.
The sixth and seventh floors contain coaches' offices, while the eighth level houses athletics department staff and administrators.
"The is the finest concentration of intercollegiate athletics facilities on any campus in the nation," UC athletics director Mike Thomas said. "From a competitive, campus and fan's standpoint there is nothing that you could want that this venue does not provide."
Goin, who retired in December of 2005, has seen his dream become a reality with the help of Richard Lindner.
"Dr. Lindner's generosity toward the University hit an all-time high in his gift that enables us to have a state of the art athletics center," said Goin. "This facility will provide all the necessary services for our student-athletes to compete at a Division I level. We are proud that and the center will bear his name."
With all the new facilities around campus, the Lindner Center is the crown jewel - a place where student-athletes, coaches and staff can access everything they may need to accomplish the goals of the university and the athletics department.
" is a reaffirmation of the university's commitment to having an athletics program which competes on the national level," Goin added.
UC's successful athletics program continues to raise expectations and with a bevy of new facilities in place, the expectations are sure to be exceeded. The vision has become a reality.