Marquette to Celebrate Al McGuire Center and Unveil Statue Honoring Legendary Coach
Released: 4/20/04

On Friday, April 23 Marquette students, coaches, current and former players, and fans will join members of Al McGuire's family to celebrate the Al McGuire Center. Members of the media are invited to view the unveiling of the new 15 foot bronze Al McGuire statue. The statue unveiling will take place at 4:00 p.m. with a program to follow in the practice gym at 4:30 p.m.

Parking is available on 12th , 13th, and Wells Streets, or in the parking structure on 16 th Street .

The statue will stand immediately inside the main entrance to the building and will serve as a lasting reminder of the legacy of its namesake to all who pass through the Center. The statue was made possible though gifts from players, assistant coaches, trainers, and other members of the Marquette community who worked with Al McGuire during his 1964-1977 tenure at the University.  

The celebration festivities will include a procession of Marquette athletes and speeches by Al McGuire's son Al, President Robert Wild, S.J., Athletics Director Bill Cords, Men's Basketball Head Coach Tom Crean, and Women's Basketball Head Coach Terri Mitchell. Rev. William Kelly, S.J., will bless the building. The pep band, cheerleaders and the intensity dance team will also be in attendance.

The Al McGuire Center contains a 4,000 seat arena which serves as a home court for the Marquette women's basketball and volleyball teams, as well as a full-size practice court for both men's and women's basketball programs. The Center also includes strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities, administrative offices, and an academic support center for all Marquette student-athletes. The $31 million center was paid for completely through the donations of more than 4,000 donors.