Allan P. Kirby Sports Center

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Kirby Sports Center Slated for $1.7 Million Renovation
The arena in Kirby Sports Center is set for a $1.7 million renovation slated to be finished for the start of the 2013-14 academic year. The F.M. Kirby Foundation, which was responsible for the building's initial construction in 1972 and for a $35 million transformation in 2000, is funding the renovation to the arena. Three major changes are on the horizon in a project that will be overseen by Clough, Harbor and Associates: new seating, the addition of a video scoreboard and an LED scorer's table. Renovation Announcement (10-19-12)
Quick Facts
Year Opened	1973
Dedicated	2000
First Game	Lafayette 79, Gettysburg 70 (12/1/73)
Official Capacity	3,500
Playing Surface	Hardwood Maple Court
Related Links
$1.7 Million Renovation Project
Kirby Sports Center Seating Chart
Kamine Gymnasium
Kirby Sports Center Men's Basketball Records
Inside Kirby Sports Center
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Dedicated on June 2, 2000, the $35 million Allan P. Kirby Sports Center gives Lafayette the finest athletic complex of any college of its size in the country. It includes an 110,000-square-foot intramural and recreational sports facility attached to the previously existing Kirby Field House. The field house itself received a $2.5 million facelift and interior renovations.

The newest portion of the center, features a distinctive atrium overlooking Fisher Field, and the Kamine Gymnasium, which includes three 50-by-84-foot courts for basketball and other sports and an elevated 1/10-mile jogging track. The Buck Courts include six courts for racquet sports, two for squash and four that can be configured for squash or racquetball. A 6,600-square-foot fitness center and weight room includes a full strength-training circuit, spacious free-weight area, and more than 30 cardiovascular machines. There is also a 35-foot climbing wall, an aerobics area, and several offices.

Built in 1973, the original field house, which contains Ruef Natatorium, is home to several varsity sports teams. It has been enhanced to include a new sports medicine area and a new equipment room and renovated locker rooms and administrative offices. The lobby and Athletic Hall of Fame exhibitory have been completely modernized.

Major support for the sports center was provided by the F.M. Kirby Foundation, which made a $32.5 million gift to Lafayette, the largest gift ever received by a college, university, or other non-profit organization in the Lehigh Valley.

The $32.5 million contribution, which Lafayette has received in full, included $26.25 million for the sports complex and an additional $6.25 million in support of other objectives in the Lafayette Leadership Campaign.

The total cost of the Allan P. Kirby Sports Center was $35 million. This included $26.5 million in construction and renovation costs and $8.5 million in endowment for operation and maintenance of the facility.

Approximately 75 percent of Lafayette students participate in varsity, junior varsity, club, intramural, or other recreational sports. The intramural program includes some three dozen sports. There are 15 club sports.

The Kirby Foundation is the family foundation of the Fred Morgan Kirby family, which has been prominent in the life of Lafayette for nearly a century. Seven family members are alumni, four have served as trustees, and three received honorary doctorates from Lafayette.