EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A $29.1 million commitment from GECU is set to bring major upgrades to the University of Texas at El Paso’s largest indoor venue and provide broad support for UTEP athletics, university leaders announced Monday.

UTEP said the $29.1 million commitment will fund enhancements to the Don Haskins Center, other athletics facilities and general support for the athletics program. During a ceremony Monday morning at the venue, UTEP President Heather Wilson also announced the center’s new name: GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center.

“The gift is the largest gift ever made to UTEP Athletics and the second largest ever in University history,” the university said.

“From graduations to iconic concerts to epic sports rivalries, almost every family in El Paso has a special memory at the GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center,” Wilson said. “We are grateful and honored GECU is partnering with us to enhance such an important community resource and for their support of our student-athletes.”

GECU President and CEO Alex Rascón said the partnership is aimed at preserving the venue’s legacy while investing in future improvements.

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“Our new collaboration with UTEP is about honoring the past while investing in the future,” Rascón said. “For more than five decades, GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center has been a place where our community comes together to celebrate, make history, create memories and support one another. We are proud to stand alongside UTEP in preserving Coach Haskins’ legacy while helping ensure this iconic venue continues serving our region for generations to come.”

The event drew GECU Chairman of the Board Gregory Watters, Rascón, University of Texas System Chancellor John Zerwas, MD, members of Coach Don Haskins’ family, Wilson and others.

UTEP Vice President of Athletics Jim Senter said the funding will help maintain and improve the venue and the experience for fans and the community.

“The GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is and will continue to be a place where legends unfold, and it needs to be maintained accordingly,” Senter said. “These funds will be used for a wide variety of projects designed to improve the community and fan experience and maintain the facility.”

Senter said the partnership will also support UTEP Athletics’ efforts to compete in the Mountain West Conference, including recruitment and retention of student-athletes, life skills programs, nutrient-dense meal plans for athletes and staff development. UTEP said the gift will also support financial literacy education for UTEP students.

UTEP said the naming of GECU Arena at the Don Haskins Center is set for the next 15 years.

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