Last week the University’s Board of Trustees officially approved the $60 million renovation to the Pavilion. The comprehensive plan for the new Pavilion will be funded entirely by donor support, spearheaded by a $22.6 million gift from alumnus William B. Finneran ’63. The renovation of the existing Pavilion is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed in time for the start of the 2018-19 men’s and women’s basketball seasons. According to the official website for the Finneran Pavilion, the new and improved facility will “provide an even stronger home-court advantage for our elite men’s and women’s basketball programs, strengthen Villanova’s ability to recruit and train the nation’s best and brightest student-athletes, enhance the fan experience through improved seating, amenities and operations, and provide various club and premium seating options,” as well as “help support all of Villanova Athletics’ 24 varsity programs.” The new Pavilion will “create a best-in-class atmosphere to support various campus activities, including commencement ceremonies and other University-wide events.”

Although there are still several steps left in the process for the realization of the Finneran Pavilion, the formal thumbs-up from the Board of Trustees is a major step in the direction of plans becoming action. Some of the pending considerations are season ticketing options, the final design and where the Wildcats will call home for the 2017-18 season. As a result of the renovations, the arena where Nova Nation has gathered for the past 31 years to root on both the men’s and women’s teams will be unavailable for use. 

Nevertheless, the loyal fans of ‘Nova Basketball will travel anywhere to support their team whether it is at the Wells Fargo Center or NRG Stadium. Whereas fans might be inconvenienced briefly by the construction, Athletic Director Mark Jackson said, “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. This is truly a community effort, which will benefit generations of Villanova fans.”

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jay Wright shares the sentiment of Jackson. “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” he said. “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!”

Basketball has always been a sport that unites the Villanova community with unforgettable memories and incredible experiences. The new Pavilion will use the history and tradition of Villanova Basketball as its foundation when the blueprints become concrete. While the anticipation for the Finneran Pavilion echoes that of the annual longing for March Madness, one thing is for sure: ‘Nova Nation will be ready to wholeheartedly and unconditionally support their team.