The Univ. of Miami's on-campus basketball arena, the 8,000-seat venue formerly known as the BankUnited Center, is "getting a new name: the Watsco Center," according to Christy Chirinos of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. Miami-based Watsco, the largest distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration products in the U.S., has "provided support to UM" since the '90s with its "Watsco's Kids" program "providing local children with free access to sporting and performing arts events on campus." The men's and women's basketball facilities are "currently being renovated, with improvements being made to the locker rooms, athlete lounges, coaches office space and weight room." The project will be "split into two phases," with a $1.7M remodel "to be completed by Nov. 2." The second phase will "begin following the basketball season" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 10/11). In West Palm Beach, Matt Porter noted new graphics and images "will adorn the hallways." The players’ lounge will "add a gaming center, couches, TVs and a barbershop." The locker room will be "upgraded with a new sound system and custom lockers" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 10/10).
