Joyce Center renovation to begin next September

Notre Dame plans to begin a $26.3 million renovation of its basketball arena next September. The university has not yet raised all the money for the project at the Joyce Center, but it has enough commitments to move ahead with the plans, said John Heisler, Notre Dame's senior associate athletic director. Former Morgan Stanley chairman and CEO Philip J. Purcell announced last year he was contributing $12.5 million toward the project, and former Tampa Bay Devil Rays principal owner Vincent J. Naimoli contributed $5 million. The first phase of the project involves construction of a new three-story structure at the arena's south end. The structure will include a new two-story lobby, the Notre Dame ticket office, an apparel and souvenir shop along with new club seating and hospitality area. Replacement of the Joyce Center arena seating, including installation of chair-back seating throughout the arena, is expected to take place after the May 2009 graduation ceremonies. The arena is expected to reopen by mid-October 2009. The arena will be named Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, and the new club/hospitality area and two outdoor patios will be named for the Naimoli family.

-- Associated Press