ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio University’s Center for Sports Administration today announced a partnership with global sports architecture firm Ellerbe Becket. With the agreement, Ellerbe Becket becomes a “real world” resource to students at the nation’s leading sports administration graduate program. “We’re extremely pleased to have Ellerbe Becket as a founding corporate partner,” said Jim Kahler, Executive Director of the Center for Sports Administration. “Having had the experience working with Ellerbe Becket when they designed Gund Arena (now Quicken Loans Arena) in Cleveland, OH, I can attest to their excellence in building world-class facilities. I am excited that our students will have this opportunity to gain a first-hand experience working with the leader in the industry.”
Ellerbe Becket is making a three-year monetary commitment to the Center for Sports Administration. Ellerbe Becket will be involved in numerous aspects of the sports administration program. For instance, the firm’s design professionals will serve as guest lecturers on campus, and student-alumni functions will be held in Ellerbe Becket-designed sports facilities. In addition, the firm will serve as a ready resource on the latest sports facility design trends for Ohio University students.
“We’re excited about this unique opportunity to partner with such a prestigious program,” said Brett Fuller, Ellerbe Becket’s Director of Business Development, Sports Architecture. “This partnership will create visibility and opportunities never before seen in our industry.”
In the past, architecture firms have participated in sponsorships or given scholarships to universities, according to Fuller. But he adds, “There’s never been a true partnership between an industry-leading sports design firm and a top-drawer sports administration program like the one at Ohio University.”
Fuller said the partnership is the first of many new initiatives designed to support the Ellerbe Becket brand.
Ohio University’s Kahler said the Ellerbe Becket agreement is the fifth and most recent corporate partnership supporting his program. Other partners include Distributive Networks (wireless content and technology), GamePlan Technology (on-demand systems for collegiate/pro teams), The Migala Report (best practices in ticketing/sponsorships) and Turnkey Sports & Entertainment (sports polling/fan data).
About
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and the construction industry, with office locations worldwide. The firm has designed some of the world's most successful and recognizable sports facilities, including Notre Dame Stadium, Lambeau Field
and Madison Square Garden. More than 80 million people a year click the turnstiles of Ellerbe Becket sports and entertainment facilities.
Ohio University’s Center for Sports Administration was established in 2005. The graduate program was founded in 1966 and is recognized as the first and most prestigious sport business program in the country. With over 1100 alumni and 55 current students, the program continues to make a tremendous impact in the sport business industry.
Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com
