UCLA will renovate and expand Pauley Pavilion, the school announced, calling the project and its funding component the “Campaign of Champions.”

“Pauley Pavilion is hallowed ground,” said Athletics Director Dan Guerrero. “This iconic building has been home to many historic events and some of the greatest athletes to ever compete in intercollegiate athletics. Now is the time to create a ‘new’ Pauley Pavilion – one that will continue to serve the UCLA community for many years to come.”

Guerrero announced that $52.5 million of the $100 million campaign goal has been committed by donors and sponsors. The renovation will upgrade Pauley Pavilion as a basketball facility and a multi-purpose building.  The plan calls for an all-new seating bowl, new aisles and steps, new seats, seating sections and entry points. The arena will feature a retractable seating system on the lower level and 1,000 additional seats as well as new lighting and sound systems. The upgrades will include a new center-hung video board and an LED ribbon board circling the arena’s interior.

The project also will upgrade concourse and lobby space and provide additional concession and restroom capacity.  Student-athletes will enjoy larger men’s and women’s locker rooms, a film room, sports medicine room, weight room and equipment room.

The project should begin in February 2010. The Bruins basketball teams will relocate during the 20-11-12 season. The renovated Pauley Pavilion is set to reopen in fall 2012.