DePaul University officials announced major fundraising milestones last week following the Blue Demon Challenge on Jan. 22., and now the university has confirmed that DePaul Athletics has secured $20 million in cash over the past year for the “Dream Big Campaign,” providing the financial foundation needed to move the athletics practice facility project into its next phase, according to administrators.
“After a multi-year process, the project will advance to its next phase, with on-site work scheduled to begin in July 2026,” reads a statement signed by DePaul president Robert Manuel, vice president and director of athletics DeWayne Peevy and senior vice president for advancement and external relations Katie Fraumann.
The university anticipates “the grand opening for the practice facility will be in fall 2027,” and said it “will continue to fundraise throughout construction to secure the remaining costs of the project.”
While DePaul plans to fund the facility entirely through philanthropy, “the university may use short-term borrowing to keep the project on schedule, repaying any loans in full as gifts are received,” according to the statement.
The university received final zoning approval from the city in November 2025, marking the final step in the approval process. In September 2024, 43rd Ward Ald. Timmy Knudsen formally supported the project after DePaul updated facility plans in response to feedback from Lincoln Park neighbors.
As part of those updates, the university also agreed to support the formal landmarking of the exteriors of Byrne Hall and Cortelyou Commons. If approved, the designation would protect the buildings’ outer appearance under Chicago’s landmark laws. This would limit any major exterior changes or demolition without city approval.
Many features will be included in the new facility, including dedicated practice courts for both basketball programs and dedicated film and team meeting rooms. There will also be a weight room, sports performances spaces and larger sports medicine and treatment spaces.
But the facility isn’t just for the basketball teams — there will be multipurpose meeting and team dining spaces and a health and wellness space for all sports programs. There will also be a student-run broadcast production studio.
“Success in athletics — specifically, the men’s and women’s basketball programs — has the capacity to elevate the university’s brand, increase institutional awareness, and drive significant enrollment,” the statement said.
University officials also lauded increased student engagement at athletic events, citing a recent record for student attendance during the men’s basketball team’s win over Marquette University.
Beyond athletics, administrators emphasized that the new facility will serve multiple campus needs. In addition to providing training space for student-athletes, the practice facility is expected to free up space in the recently renovated Sullivan Athletic Center and McGrath-Phillips Arena. That space would then be available for student intramural sports, university events and community rentals.
Related stories:
- Breaking: Chicago Plan Commission approves plans for new DePaul basketball practice facility
- DePaul defense and team chemistry standing out
- Blue Demons Midseason Report: Looking for momentum beyond the final score
The DePaulia is DePaul University’s award-winning, editorially independent student newspaper. Since 1923, student journalists have produced high-quality, on-the-ground reporting that informs our campus and city.
We rely on reader support to keep doing what we do. Donations are tax deductible through DePaul's giving page.
Support Student Journalism!
