Providence, R.I.--Continuing a trend of dramatic upgrades to athletics facilities on- and off-campus, the Providence College Department of Athletics has finished its most recent round of infrastructure improvements.

At Schneider Arena, the renovation of the Friends of Friar Room was completed in August. The new club room, which sits atop the eastern side of the rink, is equipped with plasma televisions, high-top counters, and a media library room displaying the history of Friar hockey.

Robert G. Driscoll, Jr., associate vice president and athletic director, said The Honorable William C. Leary '60 and his wife, Emily, deserve praise for their $150,000 gift for the room. Driscoll added that Robert J. O'Connor '62 donated $50,000 and the extensive collection of books covering hockey from around the world.

In addition to the hockey room, the men's lacrosse office suite on the third floor of Alumni Hall was renovated. Driscoll said the state-of-the-art headquarters for Head Coach Chris Burdick and his staff, which includes individual offices and a new foyer, could be a boon for recruiting as the team heads into BIG EAST play.

Also in Alumni Hall, the walls in Mullaney Gymnasium were painted and the court "rebranded" with new Providence College logos. Similar branding work was carried out in the lobby of Schneider Arena and on the tennis courts, where screens also have been added. Also, the women's volleyball team's locker room was renovated.

In the Peterson Recreation Center, tiles in the pool have been repaired and the deck has been renovated.

Professional look at 'The Dunk'
Off campus, two, high-definition LED video boards will be installed in front of the scorer's table at the Dunkin' Donuts Center for the upcoming men's basketball season. Driscoll said the new boards will provide more opportunities for advertising and provide instant replays to fans in the stands.

Driscoll said he was grateful to the supporters of Providence College Athletics for helping to upgrade the athletic facilities.

"They continue to be supportive despite the tough economic times," he said, noting that fundraising efforts by the athletics department and the College's Office of Institutional Advancement have been integral in the facility improvements. "It's an expression of the love they have for the College."

Long line of improvements in recent years
The latest renovations continue the transformation of the athletics infrastructure during the past five years. The major improvements include the $80-million renovation to the Dunkin' Donuts Center; the construction of the Concannon Fitness Center, the field hockey and lacrosse turf field, and the Canavan Sports Medicine Center, the Calabria Hallway of Legends, and the Peterson track. The basketball offices and Glay Field also have been refurbished, new seating was added at Schneider, and the exterior of Alumni Hall was restored.

Driscoll said the improvements can be attributed to the leadership of College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80 and the College's drive to make the athletics program one of the most respected in the country.

"You can't attract the best student-athletes unless you have first-class facilities. We're making a statement that we're serious about becoming the best we can be," he said.

-30-