BYU opens new basketball practice facility

PROVO, Utah – Brigham Young University today held an open house for the recently completed Marriott Center Annex, which houses a state-of-the-art practice facility and associated services for its men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Thousands of athletic donors, Cougar Club members and season ticket holders visited the new 38,000 square-foot building as part of the open house celebration. 

“This is a day of gratitude for me,” BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe said. “I’m grateful to the university administration and the Board of Trustees who were incredibly supportive in our efforts to build this remarkable facility. I’m so thankful for their commitment to excellence. I’m also appreciative of the many donors and skilled construction workers who made this dream a reality. This is an exciting day for BYU basketball.”

The Marriott Center Annex features a replica of the Marriott Center floor with additional shooting areas on both ends of the court. The facility also includes a strength and conditioning center; a training room with Cryosauna and hydrotherapy; office suites; meeting rooms; along with team lounge and study areas. The Annex connects to the east end of the Marriott Center, adjacent to the BYU Broadcasting Building.

The main entrance of the Annex features the Rex and Ruth Maughan Hall of Honor, showcasing the history and tradition of BYU basketball with various pieces of memorabilia and digital displays. The Marriott Center Annex was funded entirely through generous private donations and includes funding for future maintenance of the facility.

The Annex was first announced in February of 2015, with the groundbreaking taking place later that year on November 30. Elder Quentin L. Cook from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the building on February 7, 2017.

Currently in his 12th season, head coach Dave Rose has led the men’s program to a 302-109 record (.735), including eight NCAA tournament appearances and a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2011. With one more win this season, Rose will have earned at least 20 victories in every season at the helm. His teams have also captured four conference championships. In addition to team success, Rose’s players have collected 17 first-team all-conference citations, five conference player of the year awards and in 2011, Jimmer Fredette was named the consensus National Player of the Year.

“I am very appreciative to the BYU administration, the athletic administration and those who have worked tirelessly to make the new practice facility a reality,” BYU men’s basketball head coach Dave Rose said. “I also want to thank the many donors who have been so kind and generous—their support has been invaluable. This facility is a major commitment to our basketball program. It will enhance the student-athlete experience, the development of our players and recruiting.”

Jeff Judkins is in his 16th season coaching the BYU women’s basketball team. He has won at least 20 games 10 times and qualified for postseason play 12 times, including eight NCAA tournament appearances and two trips to the Sweet 16. His teams have also captured three conference championships and three conference tournament titles. In addition to team success, Judkins’s players have collected 14 first-team all-conference citations and six conference player of the year awards. On Jan. 12, 2012, Judkins won his 220th game to become the winningest coach in BYU women’s basketball history. He is currently 348-160 (.685) as the head coach of the Cougars.

“I’m grateful to the BYU administration and the many donors who have worked together to make this practice facility a reality,” BYU women’s basketball head coach Jeff Judkins said. “It provides world-class resources to further develop our student-athletes and better prepare them to achieve their goals—both athletically and academically.” 

The Marriott Center has been home to BYU basketball since it opened on Dec. 3, 1971. Named in honor of benefactor J. Willard Marriott, founder of the Marriott Corporation, the building covers three acres, is 10 stories high and encloses eight million cubic feet.

Marriott Center Annex Facts

Location
·      Directly east of the Marriott Center on the BYU campus
·      Replaces the road between the BYU Broadcasting Building and the Marriott Center

Project Timetable
·      Groundbreaking: November 30, 2015
·      Completion: December 2016

Square Footage
·      Approximately 38,000