Villanova, Pa. -

Earlier today, the Villanova University Board of Trustees formally approved a comprehensive renovation plan for the 31-year-old Pavilion on Villanova's campus. The significant $60 million renovation, which will be funded entirely by donor support, will transform the existing Pavilion--creating a high-quality, game-day experience for Villanova students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans. The renovated arena will provide an atmosphere befitting our elite men's and women's basketball programs and will honor the storied history of Villanova Basketball. The renovation of the Pavilion is scheduled to begin in June 2017. Upon its reopening, the arena will officially be named the Finneran Pavilion.

While the Board of Trustees approval is a major step in the realization of the project, there are still several elements yet to be finalized, including season ticketing options, the final design and the full schedule for the 2017-18 season. Although the full schedule has yet to be confirmed, the majority of our men's home games will be played in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center and the women's home games will be held on campus in the Jake Nevin Field House.

Villanova Athletics has brought on industry leaders to assist with the renovation planning, including the architecture firm, EwingCole, which has worked on projects for the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Giants, and Legends, a holistic planning, sales and hospitality provider in sports and entertainment that has worked with University of Notre Dame and the University of Oklahoma. Villanova Athletics has created a dedicated website--www.FinneranPavilion.com--for the project. The site currently includes an overview of the renovation, a conceptual rendering and a handful of Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) regarding the project. It will continue to be updated with design plans, potential seating plans and more as details are finalized.

Director of Athletics, Mark Jackson:

"The Pavilion renovation is critical for ensuring the future success of Villanova Athletics and the Board's approval is a significant milestone in the process. The new Finneran Pavilion will provide an even stronger home-court advantage, enhance our ability to recruit and train the nation's best and brightest student-athletes, support all of our programs and student-athletes, and provide a first-class, game-day atmosphere for the best fans in college sports. This is truly a community effort, which will benefit generations of Villanova fans."

Villanova's William B. Finneran Endowed Head Coach, Jay Wright :

"With the renovation and opening of the Finneran Pavilion, Villanova will have an on-campus home that embraces the incredible tradition of our University and its basketball programs. The Finneran Pavilion will be a gathering place in which the Nova Nation can take great pride, and its impact will be felt on our program for years to come. I am grateful for the leadership of the Board of Trustees and President Donohue and the generosity of the donors, led by Bill Finneran. We can't wait to get started!"

Villanova Women's Basketball Head Coach, Harry Perretta :

"The majority of my coaching career I have called the Pavilion home and, like any home after 31 years, it is in need of an update. The Pavilion and the events that take place there mean a great deal to the Villanova community and I am thrilled that this renovation has been made a priority for the University and Villanova Athletics. I look forward to seeing it come to fruition and playing our first game in the Finneran Pavilion."