This feature originally appeared in the Summer edition of the Cal Sports Quarterly. The Cal Athletics flagship magazine features long-form sports journalism at its finest and provides in-depth coverage of the scholar-athlete experience in Berkeley. Printed copies are mailed four times a year to Bear Backers who give annually at the Bear Club level (currently $600 or more). For more information on how you can receive a printed version of the Cal Sports Quarterly at home, send an email to calbearbackers@berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-2427.
BERKELEY - Forging ahead toward completion to inaugurate the 2015-16 year, Haas Pavilion is undergoing a major construction project to enhance the gameday experience for fans and participants. The upgrades will reaffirm the building's reputation and raises its profile as a multi-use facility that showcases the outstanding effort and achievement of student-athletes competing for the University of California.
The renovation, which includes a new center-hung video board, improved sound and lighting systems, and modernized video production facilities, began in May and was made possible through a generous gift of $10 million from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.
As it approaches the finish line, the new-and-improved space inside the building – first opened in 1933 as Harmon Gym and renamed Haas Pavilion in 1999 following a two-year renovation that nearly doubled capacity to 11,877 – is ready to host the next generation of unforgettable moments in Cal Athletics.
“The energy and attitude brought onto the floor for every competition by our student-athletes at Haas Pavilion are deservedly matched by the enhancements that are nearing completion inside the bowl,” Director of Athletics Mike Williams said. “These enhancements will offer equal support and improvements to our vital fan base, without whose support our teams would not be nearly as successful. It will certainly be an exciting year for all the programs that train, compete and represent the University at this improved facility.”
The University and the Haas, Jr. Fund have shown a great investment in improving the fan experience for all in attendance at Haas Pavilion. The new center-hung video board will allow fans to interact with the action in front of them in real-time like never before. It will provide a unique setting for fans coming for the first time and an entirely new atmosphere for longtime supporters of the programs.
Included in the upgrades is a new opportunity to bring fans closer to the action with the addition of a second row of courtside seating. During basketball games, these new seats will allow passionate fans to experience the sounds of the game from head men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin and head women's basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb's perspectives.
Martin has the Golden Bears positioned for the postseason with a strong core of returning veterans, led by 2015 first-team All-Pac-12 selection and Bob Cousy Award finalist Tyrone Wallace. The senior point guard returns as the league's active scoring and assist leader, and enters his senior season fourth among active players in the Pac-12 in career rebounds. With the addition of the second-ranked recruiting class in the nation, which includes first-team high school All-Americans Ivan Rabb and Jaylen Brown, the Bears find themselves ranked among the top teams in the nation in the preseason polls.
“Summer workouts are going well,” Martin said. “We have a lot of pieces that can help us be successful and I am excited about the direction we are headed. Our trip to Australia in August will allow us to bond as a program and get some experience playing in a game atmosphere.”
Gottlieb's squad, which has finished in the top three in the Pac-12 Conference each of the last four seasons, is coming off four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bears return three starters and four players who have earned All-Pac-12 honors in their careers in Mercedes Jefflo, Courtney Range, Mikayla Cowling and Gabby Green. Cal also welcomes the eighth-ranked recruiting class in the nation, headlined by All-American Kristine Anigwe.
“We're extremely excited about the future,” Gottlieb said. “The Pac-12 is one of the premier conferences in the country, and our team continues to work hard to elevate everything that we do.”
With a focused investment to improve the building's infrastructure and fan experience, coupled with new opportunities to sit close to the action, Haas Pavilion will offer a gameday atmosphere that Golden Bear fans of all ages will want to share with their families for decades to come.
“The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund has made this all possible and we are so thankful for their exceptional support of the program,” Martin said. “I look forward to seeing it all come together this season with the new video board and sound system, but we need our students and fans to create that special atmosphere at Haas. We feed off the energy of our crowd. Let's all enjoy this experience together.”
“Haas Pavilion is an exceptional venue and provides a tremendous home-court advantage,” Gottlieb said. “We need all of our students, alumni and fans to continue to come out to support us in our quest toward a Pac-12 championship. We hope to see everyone in the stands.”
The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund has a long history of giving to advance excellence at Cal in academics as well as athletics. Its gifts support the UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, undergraduate scholarships including those for undocumented students, Intercollegiate Athletics, the Haas School of Business, Cal Performances and much more.
To ensure seats in the enhanced setting of Haas Pavilion, visit the main Ticket Page at CalBears.com or call (800) GO BEARS (462-3277), and make your plans to be an important part of the next exciting chapter of Cal Athletics.
