What they are saying about Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Here's what Indiana University trustees, Hoosier basketball greats and others are saying about today's announcement of a $40 million gift to renovate IU's Assembly Hall.
"Assembly Hall will always have a special place in my heart. I am so glad that it will always be there. Thank you so much to Cindy Simon Skjodt and her family for their generous commitment to preserving the incredible history of IU basketball." -- Calbert Cheaney, IU basketball, 1989-93
"I would like to thank Cindy Simon Skjodt for her contribution to the remodeling of Assembly Hall. I will always cherish the memories that I have from playing at Assembly Hall in front of Hoosier Nation! Indiana fans will be able to enjoy the atmosphere and an improved viewing experience in the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The top-notch tradition of Indiana basketball has been achieved because of the fans and supporters of the program. With Cindy leading the way, this tradition will continue for many years to come." -- Cody Zeller, IU basketball, 2011-13
"My greatest memories on the basketball court took place at Assembly Hall. That building and our amazing fans have provided a tremendous home-court advantage for everyone who has ever played at Indiana. I believe it is the most intimidating home environment in college basketball, and I cannot thank the Simon Skjodt family enough for their incredible generosity. Their gift ensures that future generations of IU basketball players will get the same great experiences that I did playing in that building. I am so proud that the building I love will be named in their honor." -- Victor Oladipo, IU basketball, 2010-13
"The renovation of Assembly Hall is a gift not only to Indiana University and Hoosier fans everywhere, but a gift to the Big Ten Conference and college basketball fans across the country as well. This incredibly gracious gift from the Simon Skjodt family will improve one of the most iconic venues in all of sports and provide a great enhancement to the student-athlete experience at Indiana." -- James E. Delany, Big Ten commissioner
"I attended the first game at Assembly Hall as a fan in 1971 and fell in love with the place immediately. Since that day, that building has provided more memories than I can possibly count. I am thrilled that the Simon Skjodt family has ensured that this special building will carry on and provide even more indelible memories for future generations of IU basketball fans. I think it is tremendous that this building will be named in their honor." -- Don Fischer, voice of the Hoosiers
"Assembly Hall, like IU basketball itself, has a special place in the hearts and history of Indiana University alumni and friends everywhere, and the Board of Trustees fully supports the ambitious plans to rejuvenate this iconic building so that it can be fully enjoyed by future generations of IU fans. We are deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by Cindy Simon Skjodt and her family, which made this exciting day possible." -- Thomas E. Reilly Jr., chair, Indiana University Board of Trustees
"It is hard to describe what it is like to wear the IU uniform in a game at Assembly Hall. It is an incredible home-court advantage. The generosity of the Simon Skjodt family ensures that this great building will live on. The improvements as a result of this gift will create a better fan experience, help with recruiting and preserve the character of basketball’s greatest venue." -- Wayne Radford, IU Basketball 1975-78
"This is a remarkable gift Cindy and Paul are making to support Indiana University. This perpetuates the extraordinary relationship and the legacy of this generous and good family with IU. So many will benefit from and enjoy all that this gift will make possible. And it will emphasize how families can celebrate together the wonderful activities that take place in this special and hallowed building." -- Jim Morris, president of Pacers Sports and Entertainment and a member of the IU Board of Trustees
"There is just something about that building and that court that is special. The memories I have as a player from Assembly Hall are irreplaceable. I am overjoyed that future generations of women’s basketball players at Indiana will get to have the same wonderful experiences that I had. It is impossible to overstate the impact that the Simon Skjodt family has had on the state of Indiana, Indiana University and IU Athletics. As a part of the IU basketball family, I cannot thank them enough for their generosity." -- Amy Metheny, I-Association Board of Directors chair and a member of the 1983 Big Ten Champion women's basketball team
"Assembly Hall is a major part of the one of a kind tradition of Indiana University basketball. There is so much history in that building and it is truly one of the greatest home court advantages in all of sports. I have known the Simon Skjodt family for years. I know how much they love Indiana University and IU basketball. I am thrilled that a building that means so much to me will be named in their honor." -- Bobby "Slick" Leonard, member of the IU Athletics Hall of Fame and the 1953 NCAA National Champion men's basketball team
"We are so grateful to the Simon Skjodt family for this generous gift. It ensures Assembly Hall remains a place of excitement and inspiration for IU alumni and fans for years to come." -- J T. Forbes, executive director of the IU Alumni Association