Marriott Center press conference quotes

Press conference photo album

PROVO, Utah – BYU announced upgrades to the Marriott Center and the addition of the Marriott Center Annex at a press conference Tuesday. See quotes from the press conference below.

BYU Advancement Vice President Matt Richardson

“We’re excited about what will be taking place here at the Marriott Center and look forward to many more wonderful events at the university and in our community.”

“This is a commitment, by the Board of Trustees and the university, not simply to programs, but to the overall mission of BYU. At our heart and our center we are about making sure that we can contribute to the full development of human potential and to stay true to the ideals of our sponsoring institution, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 

On the seats in Marriott Center:
“They are comfortable. They are nice. It’s a good experience.”

Senior Associate Athletic Director Brian Santiago

On the Marriott Center upgrades:
“Ever since it was built, it has been a premier place to play basketball and we’re looking forward to continuing that tradition. There’s an incredible tradition, incredible history that has gone on in this arena and we’re passionate about continuing that into the future.”

On the Marriott Center Annex:
“It will be state of the art and it will be beautiful. It will give our student-athletes the chance to come here and chase their dreams and their passions.”

“We’re excited that this facility is going to fit and look like it belongs (on campus).”

BYU women’s head coach Jeff Judkins

“We’re so excited. This is something that we have wanted so bad for our program, to be able to make our program better and to have these student-athletes enjoy their time here at BYU. I know my team is really excited about it. It will be something that we will treasure very much.”

“The Marriott Center is one of the most beautiful places to play and to be able to get new seating and a new scoreboard, my goal will be to fill those seats better than I’ve been doing.”

BYU men’s basketball head coach Dave Rose

“I’m thankful to all those people who have made this work. Because of their kindness, their commitment and their donation to this project, who really benefits is our student-athletes, our players.”

“This program has always had a focus on the players. This is a player-driven program. We believe that our system is put together so players can come in and reach their full individual potential. This is a huge part of that process – a place where they can have access and continue to improve their game and to help improve our team.”

“This commitment is to our current players, to our former players, for the players who have committed to us, players who are playing high school basketball right now, that are serving missions that have played here and a whole new group of guys who have committed to BYU and haven’t played yet. I’m so excited for that group of guys that this will be there for their use and their improvement.” ​