INDIANAPOLIS – With the paint still drying in Nicoson Hall, the University of Indianapolis revealed its brand new basketball court Monday. The 55-year-old facility now houses a sleek and modern design on its newly-installed playing surface, made possible by a generous $500,000 donation from Ray Skillman Auto Group. In recognition of the gift, the competition floor will be dubbed "Skillman Court," with a dedication ceremony taking place this fall.
The floor is just one piece of the renovation scheduled for Nicoson Hall, home of the Greyhounds since in 1960. New carpet will be added to the concourse later this summer, with efficient LED lighting among the improvements scheduled for next year.
"Our student-athletes certainly have earned these upgrades with their performance on the court and in the classroom," said Dr. Rob Manuel, university president. "It is quite fitting that this support comes from Ray Skillman, who shares the university's commitment to the residents and the economic vitality of this part of the city."
In recent years, Ray Skillman Auto Group has provided more than $3 million to support schools, parks, food banks, youth sports and other charities, particularly on Indianapolis' south side. Skillman entered the local market in 1979 with a single dealership on South U.S. 31 and since then has grown the company into one of the nation's Top 100 dealers, with 17 franchises in 13 central Indiana locations representing such brands as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Mitsubishi.
"The University of Indianapolis is a vital anchor in the community where we do business," Skillman said. "We greatly admire the university's dedication to its students and their families, and we're delighted to partner with an institution that prepares new leaders for our city, state and nation."
Nicoson Hall is home to the UIndy men's and women's basketball teams and will also host volleyball and wrestling events, including the 2016 NCAA Division II Wrestling Super Region 2 this February. Last season, the Greyhound men's basketball squad spent two weeks ranked No. 1 in the country before making the team's first-ever "Sweet 16" appearance at the NCAA Tournament in March.
