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SLU to build $20M ‘best-in-class’ athletic facility

The 25,000-square-foot facility will be connected to Chaifetz Arena and impact more than 400 student-athletes

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ST. LOUIS — A new athletic facility is coming to the Saint Louis University campus.

SLU’s athletics department announced the addition of the O’Loughlin Family Champions Center during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. The 25,000-square-foot facility will be connected to Chaifetz Arena.

SLU described it as a “best-in-class facility” that will impact more than 400 student-athletes “by delivering programming related to academic advising, spiritual development, sports performance, nutrition, wellness and sports psychology.”

It will also feature sports operations centers for men’s and women’s basketball as well as other sports.

SLU said the estimated cost of the project is $20 million and the funds will be privately raised. Lodging Hospitality Management CEO Bob O’Loughlin is one of the lead people helping contribute funds for the project.

SLU to build $20M ‘best-in-class’ athletic facility

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SLU Athletics

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The project will house the Dr. Richard R. Chaifetz Basketball Operations Center.

Back in 2019, the Billiken men's basketball team earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years. But this past season, the team settled for a bid in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in Texas. SLU was one of the first four teams left out of the NCAA Tournament.

SLU climbed its way into this year’s Associated Press Top 25 poll, coming in at No. 23. It was the first time the team was ranked in the AP poll since the 2013-2014 season.

The Billikens are expected to compete for the Atlantic 10 title again in the 2021-2022 season set to begin with an exhibition game against Rockhurst on Oct. 26.