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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion is a testament to Wooden and athletic legacy

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Simon Asher

John & Nell Wooden Court, at Pauley Pavillion, Jan. 20. The UCLA Bruins have played at Pauley since 1965. 

On Saturday, the No. 14 Arizona Wildcats take on the No. 3 UCLA Bruins in Pauley Pavilion. Pauley Pavilion has been the long time home of the Bruins since 1965, built for just five million dollars. It underwent a massive renovation in 2012 which cost UCLA 136 million dollars and houses banners for all 11 NCAA men’s basketball championships.

The man at the helm of 10 of those championships was legendary head coach John R. Wooden, whom the court is named after in addition to his wife Nell. Wooden’s imprint is all over the UCLA facility. His pyramid of success, formulated to provide guidance for those looking for the righteous way to live both on and off the court, is placed in the tunnels coming out of the men’s locker room, the Pavilion Club and in the athletics hall of fame.

In addition to the pictures and plaques dedicated to past and present players, Pauley Pavilion has a Pavilion Club that hosts donors and others before games in a club like atmosphere before Bruin home games, alcohol is available in this club. 

UCLA also has a separate hall of fame that has every NCAA championship they have ever won with the exception of the 1964 NCAA men’s basketball championship trophy which is currently on display in Wooden’s home-state of Indiana for its bicentennial celebration. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring artifact in the hall of fame is a re-creation of Wooden’s den from his home. It’s a true testament to the impact Wooden had on the university.

UCLA has tremendous history within their athletic program and it is on display for all to see. It is free, it is accessible and it was well put together.

Arizona takes on UCLA at 2 p.m. MST.


Follow Saul Bookman on Twitter.


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