Oct. 31, 2004
USC President Steven B. Sample, Director of Athletics Mike Garrett and Los Angeles City Council members Jan Perry and Bernard Parks joined Louis and Helene Galen in a site dedication and naming ceremony marking the official beginning of construction on the new USC sports and cultural events center named in honor of the Galens.
"This is a wonderful day for USC," said Sample. "As two of our most dedicated Trojans, Helene and Lou have given our university a lasting legacy: the gift of their name. Because of them, a long-time dream of generations of students is on the verge of becoming a reality. We are proud to honor them today, and proud to see their name on our new center."
Located at the southeast corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Figueroa Street, the Galen Center will play host to an estimated 130 events a year, including Trojan men's and women's basketball and volleyball games as well as concerts, pageants and theater performances. It will also be available for community events such as local school graduation ceremonies, high school sports championships and the regional Academic Decathlon.
The center will include a 255,000-square-foot arena with 10,258 seats to support USC men's and women's basketball and volleyball, and a 45,000-square-foot pavilion including three practice courts and offices.
The facility is expected to be completed in spring 2006.
