The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $29.1 million commitment from GECU to support improvements to the Don Haskins Center and UTEP’s athletics program.
The commitment is the largest gift ever made to UTEP Athletics and the second-largest gift in the university’s history.
As part of the agreement, El Paso’s largest indoor venue will be renamed GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center.
The naming agreement will run for 15 years.
Funds will support improvements to the arena and other UTEP athletics facilities, along with broader support for UTEP Athletics.
The partnership is also expected to support student-athlete recruiting and retention, life skills programs, nutrition initiatives and staff development.
A portion of the gift will additionally support financial literacy education for UTEP students.
The Don Haskins Center has served for decades as a venue for UTEP athletics, graduations, concerts and other major community events.
KEY QUOTES:
“From graduations to iconic concerts to epic sports rivalries, almost every family in El Paso has a special memory at the GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center. We are grateful and honored GECU is partnering with us to enhance such an important community resource and for their support of our student athletes.”
Heather Wilson, President of the University of Texas at El Paso
“Our new collaboration with UTEP is about honoring the past while investing in the future. For more than five decades GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center has been a place where our community comes together to celebrate, make history, create memories and support one another. We are proud to stand alongside UTEP in preserving Coach Haskins’ legacy while helping ensure this iconic venue continues serving our region for generations to come.”
Alex Rascón, President and CEO of GECU
“The GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is and will continue to be a place where legends unfold, and it needs to be maintained accordingly. These funds will be used for a wide variety of projects designed to improve the community and fan experience and maintain the facility.”
Jim Senter, Vice President of Athletics at UTEP
