University of Richmond Athletics
New Robins Center Unveiled To Media
10/25/2013 | Women's Basketball, Men's Basketball, The New Robins Center
Basking in the glow of the New Robins Center - thanks in part to state-of-the-art LED lighting - and sitting at a table resting directly on the big red Spider at mid-court, Richmond athletics director Keith Gill, men's basketball coach Chris Mooney and women's basketball coach Michael Shafer answered questions from the media who were invited to a sneak peak of a classic remade.
The $17 million renovations project has included four large video boards, new lighting, four hospitality areas, new and refurbished seating closer to the floor, a freshly-painted dark blue ceiling and renovated concourses and restrooms.
Both the men's and women's teams have been practicing in the arena while the construction work continues. The men will christen the New Robins Center Friday, Nov. 8 against Delaware at 7 p.m. The women's first home game is Sunday, Nov. 17 against UAB at 2 p.m.
Asked what their biggest "wow" factor was as the renovations unfolded, each revealed a different favorite. Shafer pointed to "the first thing we did changed the whole arena to me - when we painted the ceiling dark blue. That changed the whole feel and look of the place."
Gill said, "I think the video boards, especially with the brick columns framing them. When you think University of Richmond, you think of that red brick. The boards will allow us to do so many things from a game managment and fan experience standpoint. I've been really impressed by those."
Mooney concluded, "I would say everything, but especially the touches we've added. The University of Richmond text above the hospitality areas, those areas themselves, and probably the overall brightness of the place. The lights, the video boards,everything. But I think all the little touches are what's going to make it so special."
