BOSTON – As part of the continued long-term strategy to transform Boston University's Case Center, director of athletics Drew Marrochello has announced that a pair of major projects will take place in 2024 thanks to two generous lead-gift commitments, greatly benefiting the women's ice hockey and men's basketball programs.

Walter Brown Arena will undergo the most significant renovation of an existing facility in BU Athletics history and the men's basketball program will have a renovation of team spaces, highlighted by a new locker room.

BU alumni Larry (ENG'99) and Debi (ENG'99) DePaulis committed to a sizable investment for Walter Brown Arena, while Ike Brown (Questrom'76) and his wife, Candy, increased their previously announced gift for the men's basketball project. 

"I am thrilled to announce these significant gifts to BU Athletics and the two facility projects," said Marrochello. "These gifts demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a desire to enhance and elevate the experience that our student-athletes have on campus. We're extremely grateful for the leadership shown by Larry, Debi, Ike and Candy, and we're appreciative of the support from the University as we finalize these plans to significantly upgrade the Case Center."

With a capacity of close to 4,000, Walter A. Brown Arena is a beloved campus destination that has served as a home for BU ice hockey since 1971-72 and specifically the women's ice hockey program since it was elevated to varsity status in 2005. The arena is one of only a handful across college sports that is solely dedicated to women's ice hockey. With the facility eclipsing 50 years, the Department identified the need to convert underutilized space into a new locker room, team lounge and coaches' offices. Selected enhancements to the fan experience will include the arena entrance and the installation of a 3.9mm center-hung Daktronics videoboard.

Now in its 115th season, Terrier men's basketball calls Case Gym home with the program's locker room and team spaces also in the Case Center. A newly renovated locker room will modernize the student-athlete experience in a state-of-the-art space, providing an immediate boost to the program, and other enhancements will include a lounge, nutrition station and recovery space.

These transformative initiatives represent BU Athletics' commitment to sustained excellence across all varsity programs and place an emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The primary objectives of these projects are to position Terrier Athletics for success with world-class facilities and maximize space through innovative planning. With the help of alumni, parents and friends, our student-athletes continue to pursue excellence in the classroom and within competition.

Opportunities to support both of these initiatives still exist, as do chances to name spaces within each facility. Please contact director of athletics development Kyle Shawgo at (617) 353-1063 or kshawgo@bu.edu to make an impact today.