HOUSTON โ The University of Houston announced Wednesday it has filed a motion that challenges efforts by the Hofheinz family heirs to prevent the university from receiving funds to renovate its 50-year-old basketball arena.
The motion said the heirs have no legal standing to oppose UH's plans to rename the facility, the university said.
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"It is unfortunate that the heirs of the Hofheinz family have filed a lawsuit which attempts to prevent the university from receiving funds to bring the basketball arena into the 21st century," said Hunter Yurachek, vice president for intercollegiate athletics at UH.
The basketball facility was constructed in 1969 with the help of $1.5 million donated by the Roy M. Hofheinz Foundation.
"Unfortunately, buildings donโt last forever, and our arena is obsolete and no longer competitive with other first-class facilities at major universities across the country," the university said in a statement. "It is no longer a recruiting tool or representative of a nationally relevant athletic program. Our arena needs a massive overhaul, and our students deserve better."
University officials said the reconstruction of the facility will cost at least $60 million.
"We need to offer the naming rights to attract a significant donation to pay for the reconstruction," the university said. "Without that donation, the reconstruction cannot happen."
University officials said a donation from the Hofheinz Foundation was "very clear" that the $1.5 million was to be used to construct UH facilities, including the basketball arena, which was completed nearly 50 years ago.
"The University never agreed nor did Mr. Hofheinz intend that his gift from 50 years ago would entitle him to perpetual naming rights of the basketball arena," the university said. "It is important to note that Mr. Hofheinz made it clear at the time of the grant that changed conditions may occur and the university trustees may designate another use of the grant. This document clearly shows that his intent and generosity was to ensure that his gift would never be a burden on the university or a roadblock to its continued success and the success of its students."
Although the university said it is prohibited from disclosing the nature of its extensive negotiations with the Hofheinz family and their attorney, "the university can unequivocally say that it is committed to honoring the Hofheinz legacy," Yurachek said.
"Our students remain the focus of our efforts, and although we are involved in court proceedings, we will continue to do all we can to make this reconstruction possible," the university said.