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Houston AD Aims For Relevance Through Ambitious Renovations, Eyes Power Five

The Univ. Of Houston has poured millions into construction of new athletic facilities and major upgrades to others aimed at what AD Mack Rhoades calls "national relevancy," but to get there "won't be cheap," according to Joseph Duarte of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. When the time comes, UH "wants to be ready for the next round of conference realignment." Rhoades said, "If we really want to be considered with [the Power Five schools], we're going to have to commit to doing many of these, if not all of them. We're prepared to do that." Duarte noted what has been a "10-year process, if not longer, for some programs in the state like Baylor and TCU, UH is attempting to do in half the time." Rhoades: "We started from way behind when you think about ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, fundraising, facilities and academics. We've really grown at a rapid pace, and it's our goal to continue that pace." Duarte noted some of the improvements of the "ambitious campaign" include $120M for TDECU Stadium, $1.54M for football practice facilities, $25M for a basketball development facility adjacent to Hofheinz Pavilion, $1.4M in upgrades to Cougar Field and $750,000 for the Dave Williams Golf Academy. Some of the other projects "on tap include a state-of-the-art video board for Cougar Field, a new outdoor track and widening of the soccer field for the women's program." Next to the building of TDECU Stadium, the "most critical decision facing the university is the future of Hofheinz Pavilion." Meanwhile, Rhoades last week said that UH "plans to cover the full cost of attendance as part of a full scholarship for athletes," but details are still "being ironed out." He added that the plan will have a $1-1.2M "impact on UH's athletic budget (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/24).

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