University Hall may not have the historical significance of the Lawn or the architectural design of the Rotunda but it has hosted what were arguably some of the greatest moments in University history.
Two of these moments, the 2001 Valentine's Day Massacre of Duke and its 2002 encore, will be remembered fondly when today's students look back on their memories of U-Hall.
Soon, all they will have is memories.
U-Hall, though it holds a place in Virginia's history, will soon no longer be the main venue for men's and women's basketball in Charlottesville.
The new arena, which will be located across Massie Road, will be configured in a horseshoe-shaped design that will seat 15,000 fans. U-Hall currently seats only 8,500, the smallest men's basketball venue in the ACC.
Head architect Bob Moje met with the press at a small meeting July 10 and announced that groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 30, 2002, the last day of Virginia's football season. This will come after the schematic plans have been finished, which is anticipated for early October.
Set for completion in 2007, the arena will have a traditional Jeffersonian look, with red brick and white trim, resembling many of the other buildings on grounds.
The horseshoe shape allows for versatility and more than just sports competition, as a stage can easily be erected to allow entertainment performances at the University. Moje also announced that there will be bleachers that can be used or removed, depending on the nature of the event.
Improvements extend beyond the walls of the new arena. A connector road to the U.S. Route 29/250 bypass is planned to allow fans a new way to easily access the stadium.
Two new parking garages are being planned, to raise the number of spaces to 3,900 (including other parking near the arena). One garage is being planned adjacent to the arena, and one behind the Cavalier Inn on Ivy Road. The Ivy Road garage has met with opposition from some Charlottesville residents who argue that it will negatively impact the nearby neighborhoods.
Project director Dick Laurence, of University Facilities Management, said in a recent release that "it will be a great challenge for all of us to meet the financial, schedule and quality goals that are laid out, but the pace and enthusiasm are building rapidly."
Financial goals include meeting the total $128 million budget, which will be obtained from private sources instead of state or University money. So far, $45 million has been raised, the majority of which has come from two $20 million gifts. One is from an anonymous donor; the other, from Paul Tudor Jones Jr., chair of a Connecticut-based financial management firm, the Tudor Group.
Students will have sections on two sides of the arena, close to the floor, while front row seats on another side will be reserved for donors. There also will be 20 suites available for corporations or individuals to purchase.
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