University of Connecticut Athletics
Rizza Family Performance Center Continues to Take Shape
10/23/2019 9:23:00 PM | General, Men's Soccer, Softball, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Baseball
Progress Celebrated With Beam Raising Ceremony
STORRS, Conn. - The sun was shining during a perfect autumn day in Storrs on Wednesday as the look of the state-of-the-art Rizza Family Performance Center continued to take shape. After being signed by principal donors to the project along with members of the men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball and women's lacrosse teams, the final steel beam was ceremoniously placed on the structure of what will become one of the finest collegiate athletics facilities in the county.Â
The ceremony was preceded by remarks from head men's soccer coach Ray Reid, University president Tom Katsouleas, director of athletics David Benedict and former men's soccer standout Tony Rizza, '87.Â
"It's been years in the making and a long time coming with many people bringing us to this point," Rizza said following the ceremony.ÂÂ "Now that we are here it's actually very fun to part of this and it was great to watch that beam go up."
Several student-athletes were in attendance along with all five head coaches of the programs who will be housed in the Rizza Family Performance Center, beginning in the fall of 2020.Â
"This is going to be state-of-the-art. There won't be anyone in the Northeast that has anything close to the facility that we will have," head baseball coach Jim Penders said. "I just can't wait. I'm going to be very emotional when the day that we are playing in Elliot Ballpark comes and I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time in this beautiful building too."
Behind the Performance Center, Elliot Ballpark is also continuing to take shape as the UConn baseball team is expected to open its 2020 season in the sparkling facility.
"To see former players give back is great because it's the biggest form of gratitude there is," head women's soccer coach Margaret Rodriguez said.  "So many people have stepped up and want to be a part of this. I think it says a lot about who we are as a University. We are a big family and so many people are willing to contribute to UConn's future success."
