TU Breaks Ground For Case Athletic Complex Today
10/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 1, 2005
Tulsa, Oklahoma - The University of Tulsa held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Case Athletic Complex in the north end zone of Skelly Stadium on Saturday afternoon, two-and-a-half hours prior to kick-off of the Tulsa-Houston football game.
This three-story, 30,000 square-foot structure will consolidate football operations and provide a dramatic anchor to Skelly Stadium.
The first floor will feature a locker room, training room, and equipment room. The second floor will provide a Lettermen's Lounge, space for TU Football offices, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual suite. In addition to team meeting space and game-day suites, the third floor will include an academic support center. It will feature counselors' offices, private and group study space, and a computer lab.
Mike Case, developer and philanthropist, made a significant financial gift for construction of the Case Athletic Complex, and more than 260 donors have made gifts and pledges to the project.
"Tulsa has been very good to me, and I am proud of my relationship with TU," said Case. "I look forward to seeing the Case Athletic Complex bring new opportunities to TU Football, and I hope we will be as successful in hitting the mark with this project as we were with the last (Michael D. Case Tennis Center)," said Case.
"The Case Athletic Complex continues to show the commitment to excellence in athletics that The University of Tulsa possesses," said Tulsa Head Football Coach Steve Kragthorpe. "The generosity of Mike and Pat Case is difficult to put into words. Their commitment to our program should inspire all of us in continuing to take our program to the top."
"This facility adds to our already beautiful campus, and offers the opportunity for prospective student-athletes to have the very best academically and athletically at The University of Tulsa," added Kragthorpe.
TU President, Dr. Steadman Upham, added "I especially want to extend sincere appreciation to each and every donor supporting this project. But in this - as in most major undertakings - there has been one person whose generosity and leadership have created momentum and energized others to get involved. This time - once again - the leader and driving force behind our next campus landmark is Mike Case. Mike's projects are hallmarks of big vision, determined execution, and uncompromising standards. The Case Athletic Complex will continue this tradition and will remain a state-of-the-art standout for many years to come."
Case was the driving force behind the construction of the Michael D. Case Tennis Center, which was dedicated on December 14, 2001. The Michael D. Case Tennis Center was recognized in 2003 as the nation's Outstanding Collegiate Tennis Center by the USTA.
"I always value the opportunity to be part of a worthwhile project, especially when it benefits both TU and the community as a whole. I believe that anything we can do to advance TU advances Tulsa as well. And I have to say, it is easy to support TU Athletics. The administrators, coaches, and staff work hard to produce well-rounded champions, who attack opportunities on the field and in the classroom. You know that your investment in a program like this is going to be put to good use," Case said.
"An undertaking like this not a solo job," said Case. "There are many donors who supported this project, and without their help, we would still be fundraising today instead of breaking ground."
Those participating in the unearthing of the soil where the Case Athletic Complex will be located included: Mike and Pat Case, President Steadman and Peggy Upham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Fulton Collins, Chairman of the Athletic Committee of the Board of Trustees Barbara Allen, Board of Trustee members Bill Thomas and Donne Pitman, Vice President for Finance and Business and Interim Athletics Director Kevan Buck, Faculty Athletics Representative Tom Holland and Head Football Coach Steve Kragthorpe.
The St. Louis-based architectural firm Hastings and Chivetta have been retained to design the Case Athletic Complex.
Skelly Stadium was built in 1930 as a 14,500-seat stadium, and was enlarged to 40,235 seats in 1965. Before the north stands were demolished in February 2005 to make way for the new building, the seating capacity was 40,385. The new seating capacity is 35,542.
