UTEP athletics announces various basketball capital improvements thanks to Cardwell family gift; new design for court
EL PASO, Texas - The hardwood in the Don Haskins Center is getting a new and modern design as UTEP Athletics has announced a generous $100,000 gift from the Cardwell Family.
A portion of the money will be used to refinish the court – which was last done in 2015 – hang new banners in the Haskins Center, and will be applied to updated graphics in the Foster Stevens Center.
The improvements will take place during the summer and will be completed before the 2021-22 basketball season.
“A big thanks to Jim, Julie, Trey and the Cardwell family for this gift and their continued support of UTEP and UTEP Athletics,” UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. “Through their generosity, we will be able to tackle various projects that pertain to Miner Basketball, improving aesthetics in multiple facilities. These updates are important for branding, recruiting and ultimately, signals progress – we have to keep improving.”
The exciting new court design will incorporate the Franklin Mountains with El Paso’s Star on the Mountain.
Don Haskins’s signature, the namesake of the building, will also be featured on the top left of the court, while “Glory Road” will be positioned on the top right – a reference to the 2006 film showcasing the story of the 1966 Texas Western NCAA National Championship team.
The department worked with Disney to obtain the rights for usage.
Updated department branding will also be incorporated by Stout Hardwood Floor Company, which will be completing the work.
“The Cardwell family is proud to support UTEP Athletics and the vision of Jim Senter and the Department,” the Cardwell family said. “We, like other Miners, have high expectations for UTEP and want to help Athletics and the University in reaching those aspirations. UTEP is so important to this community. When UTEP is successful, El Paso and the surrounding region thrives.”
The updated banners will include a new 1966 Texas Western National Championship banner and another honoring Hall of Fame UTEP head coach Don Haskins – a.k.a. “The Bear” – and his 719 career wins.
In addition, all banners in the Haskins Center will incorporate current department branding and help to highlight the accomplishments of both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
Work will be completed by New England Flag Banner, who also produces banners for the Boston Celtics, Washington Capitals, University of Kansas and University of Arizona.
The Foster Stevens Center will also see enhanced improvements in the main lobby area with focuses on the 1966 Texas Western National Championship and the Don Haskins era as well as recognizing the men’s and women’s basketball conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances and storied student-athletes from both programs.
The emphasis on the new environmental branding will be paying homage to the history of Miner Basketball while also focusing on recruiting through strategic storytelling.
