Villanova sends out Pavilion survey about renovations, gameday experience and more

It's a known issue; the National Champion Villanova Wildcats' on-campus home is in dire need of some upgrades, or at least a plan to correct. The obligation to support the University's Flagship hoops program has been at the front of first-year AD Mark Jackson's mind, since Day 1 (and probably since the interview process). That obligation for updating The Pavilion has only been sped up by Nova's National Title and a $22.6m gift to from alumnus William B. Finneran.

Inboxes of many Villanova Alumns, Donors, and Friends had a new message on Wednesday as an email from Jackson's name landed with the subject, Villanova University Pavilion Survey.

The email reads:

Nova Nation,

It has certainly been an exciting few months for Villanova University. A men’s basketball national championship, a number-one ranking for our business school, and national recognition for the academic and athletic success of our programs have made for a truly memorable spring semester. In the midst of all of these accomplishments, the University also received the largest gift in athletic department history from William B. Finneran VSB ’63, whose passion and love for Villanova basketball will allow us to begin the process of renovating The Pavilion, our on-campus arena that is in need of repair.

These past few months, I have experienced first-hand the tremendous passion the entire Nova Nation has for Villanova Athletics. Your support is a critical component of our success, and once again we need your help. As we begin the initial stages of market feasibility, scope and design, and overall project costs and timeline, we want to know about your own experiences at The Pavilion. As with any major decision or undertaking, we want to be well informed and hear directly from those who use the facility and attend games to make this project a success.

We have partnered with Legends Global Planning—the industry-leading expert in arena and stadium redevelopment—to develop a survey to gather important information regarding the overall fan experience. I ask that you please take some time to complete the online survey. The feedback you provide is critically important to this strategic study. It will help us enhance the entire fan experience, provide the type of amenities worthy of our men’s and women’s basketball programs, and create a space that the entire campus community can utilize for special events.

This survey is just one important step in the planning process. We will also engage with our students, faculty, staff and alumni across the country through focus groups and other interactions to hear what is important to them as we consider all options. 

I appreciate your support for this major undertaking and for taking the time to participate in this survey. I’m confident that when the renovations are complete, The Pavilion will be a space reflective of the nation’s best basketball team supported by the nation’s most passionate and loyal fans!

Thanks again for your time.

Go Cats!!!

Mark Jackson
Director of Athletics
Villanova University

Editor's Note: To respect the integrity of the survey we have removed visual references. Please join us in discussing it in the comments.