Giving Spirit
Two gifts totaling $1.75 million will name the court and a plaza at rising College Park Center
College Park Center, the 7,000-seat events venue set to open on campus early next year, received a big boost this fall when the families of two distinguished business leaders committed $1.75 million to support the project.
Alan Petsche ’80 and his wife, Bonnie Smith Petsche ’86, have committed $1 million to College Park Center. The University will name the basketball court Petsche Court in their honor. Graduates of the College of Business, the Petsches met at UT Arlington and cherish the friendships they formed during college.
“Everything I’ve done in life somehow relates back to UT Arlington,” Alan says. “I love the idea of the entire College Park District and that this new center will be at my alma mater.”
The Petsches are joined by Moritz family members, namesakes of Moritz Dealerships, who have committed $750,000 to establish Moritz Plaza at the northwest corner of South Pecan and East Second streets. The plaza will serve as the main entrance to College Park Center and connect the venue to the College Park mixed-use retail and residential development spanning three blocks to the north.
John David Moritz, president of Moritz Dealerships, says his family was motivated to support the University as they have watched the emerging College Park District help transform central Arlington and the downtown business district.
The Petsches’ commitment is the second-largest gift for the $78 million events center. UT Arlington previously announced a $5 million commitment from Houston-based Carrizo Oil & Gas. The University anticipates that it will soon meet its goal of raising $10 million in private support for the project.
College Park Center will be the home court for the Maverick basketball and volleyball teams and provide a landmark venue for world-class concerts, speakers, commencement exercises, and other high-profile events.
