Construction to begin Feb24 on new academic and athletic facility

New facility upgrades are expected to be completed in October 2004

By Zack Walton

The date for groundbreaking on the Ricchiuti Academic, Strength and Conditioning Center and the expansion of the athletic department’s Duncan Building has been set for Feb. 24, Fresno State Athletic Director Scott Johnson announced Monday.

The bid for the construction plan was awarded to Harris Construction of Fresno and the anticipated completion of the project is October 2004.

The $4.9 million project will be privately funded through the Green V Association—a fundraising group for the athletic department—and no state funds will be used.

The Ricchiuti Family recently donated $1 million to the academic center, which will stand adjacent to the current Fresno State strength and conditioning center that will also display the family name.

“ The Ricchiuti Family have been long time benefactors, of not just Fresno State, but of many organizations throughout Fresno,” said assistant athletic director Steve Weakland.

The nearly 6,000 square-foot Ricchiuti academic center will be a state-of-the-art facility, including office space for Student-Athlete Services personnel, study and computer labs, women’s soccer offices and meeting rooms.

The Duncan Building expansion will add more than 22,000 square feet to the facility that will house a new football locker room, teaching facilities and coaching classrooms and offices will all be located in the facility. The building will also house an auditorium with theatre-style seating.

The plans for expansion of the football facilities have been in the works for several years, with the official announcement being made in October 2003.

“ [The facilities] are a much needed addition, which will be dedicated to academics and will have great benefits for student-athletes,” Weakland said. “The expansion to the Duncan Building, including the locker room and offices, will have a significant impact for [Fresno State’s] football team.”

Fresno State football coach Pat Hill announced, in October, the upgrade of football facilities were a major reason for his decision to remain with the Bulldogs instead of pursuing other coaching opportunities.