FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University celebrated a major milestone for the future of Athletics today with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Basketball and Academic Performance Center (BAPC), a transformational project that will elevate student-athlete development, enhance academic support services, and strengthen Patriots Basketball.  

Located at the northwest corner of the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC), the approximately 34,000-square-foot facility will serve as the future home of George Mason's men's and women's basketball programs while expanding academic resources that benefit more than 500 Patriots student-athletes across all 22 sports. 

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together university leadership, student-athletes, alumni, supporters, community partners, and donors to celebrate the next phase of a project that reflects George Mason's continued investment in competitive excellence and holistic student-athlete development. 

 "Today we're not just breaking ground on a building. We're actually strengthening a promise and we have been defined by our momentum," President Gregory Washington said, noting that the idea of the BAPC originated 20 years ago, when the men's basketball team went to the Final Four. "We're going to build a championship culture in every sport, and we're going to invest in getting support like we're building champions."  

Designed by Perkins & Will and constructed by Doyle Construction, the BAPC project includes a multi-story addition and renovation to the RAC, creating a modern facility designed to support student-athletes through every aspect of their collegiate experience. The center will feature two dedicated basketball practice courts, coaching staff suites, locker rooms, student-athlete lounges, strength and conditioning areas, athletic training space, and approximately 4,000 square feet of academic support space. 

"Today represents an exciting step forward for George Mason Athletics and the future of our student-athletes," said Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis. "The Basketball and Academic Performance Center is much more than a basketball facility. It is an investment in people, providing the resources, support systems, and environment that will allow our student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally. This project demonstrates our commitment to competing at the highest level while delivering a world-class student-athlete experience." 

The Academic Services suite will serve student-athletes from all varsity programs, providing study areas, tutor rooms, collaborative learning spaces, and staff offices. The facility will replace the academic support trailers and create a centralized hub focused on academic achievement and student success. 

As NOVA's Team, George Mason Athletics serves as a prominent gateway to the university, connecting students, alumni, supporters, businesses, and community leaders across Northern Virginia. The Basketball and Academic Performance Center will strengthen that platform while creating opportunities for continued growth and engagement throughout the region. 

The Basketball and Academic Performance Center is a key philanthropic priority for George Mason Athletics. Naming opportunities and other investment options remain available throughout the project. To learn more about supporting the Basketball and Academic Performance Center, contact the Patriot Club. 

"The momentum behind this project reflects the belief our alumni, donors, and supporters have in the future of George Mason Athletics," Lewis added. "We're grateful for everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and look forward to welcoming future generations of Patriots into this facility." 

The Basketball and Academic Performance Center is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027 and include: 

• Two (2) dedicated basketball practice courts 

• Men's and Women's Basketball Coaching Staff Suites 

• Men's and Women's Basketball Student-Athlete Lounge and Locker Rooms 

• Approximately 34,000 sq ft building 

• Approximately 4,000 sq ft of academic space serving all student-athletes 

• Approximately 700 sq ft Men's and Women's Basketball Athletic Training   

• Approximately 2,500 sq ft Strength & Conditioning space  

For more information on the Basketball and Academic Performance Center, contact the Patriot Club at Masonpc@gmu.edu or visit the Future is Now BAPC Information Page. 

What They're Saying 

Men's Basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn 

"As a George Mason alumnus and now head coach, this is a game-changing moment for our program," said Men's Basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn. "This facility demonstrates the university's commitment to our student-athletes and our vision for the future. It will strengthen our ability to recruit and develop exceptional talent, compete for championships, and continue building a program that represents George Mason with pride. I truly believe the best days of George Mason Basketball are still ahead of us." 

Women's Basketball Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis 

"The Basketball and Academic Performance Center is an investment in the future of our student-athletes," said Women's Basketball Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. "At George Mason, we challenge our students to pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition, and this facility reflects our commitment to helping them achieve both. We want our student-athletes to compete for championships, earn their degrees, become leaders, and create meaningful lives beyond their playing careers. Years from now, the true impact of this center will be measured by lives it helped shape." 

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Kelly Janssen (Men's Soccer) 

"When you're surrounding yourself with the right people, and you have the right resources that you need to create an opportunity, you can do more than just compete; you can thrive. That's why we're so excited to have this space, a place designed to bring all George Mason student-athletes together. This is more than a building; this is an investment in our success, your success, the success of our community, and the future of George Mason Patriots."