Rutgers

35-Year-Old Rutgers Athletic Center Expected To Undergo $30M Renovation

Published May 31, 2012

Rutgers Univ. officials “took the first step" toward renovating Rutgers Athletic Center yesterday by hiring Michael Graves & Associates to design a plan for the basketball facility’s new look, according to Tom Luicci of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Rutgers AD Tim Pernetti said that the “long-awaited upgrade will likely take place in phases … and could take two to three years to complete.” The final cost “is expected to be in the range of Pernetti’s initial renovation plans for the building two years ago," which was $30M. The majority of the cost will be "covered through fundraising efforts.” Pernetti said that as soon as the architectural firm “returns a conceptual plan -- expected in July -- he will have a more accurate final cost.” Luicci notes additions and deletions made to the proposal “will affect the final price tag.” The RAC, which opened in ’77, “has remained virtually unchanged with the exception of new locker rooms.” Plans call for “a modern practice facility for men’s and women’s basketball as well as new strength, conditioning, training and equipment rooms, and offices for the athletic department.” Air conditioning and a new scoreboard “are also priorities” (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 5/31).