Fertitta Center Court to be Named after Penick Family

HOUSTON – When the 2019-20 University of Houston Men's and Women's Basketball teams take the floor in early November to open competition inside the Fertitta Center, the Cougars will do so on a new court.

Thanks to a generous donation from longtime Houston Athletics supporters Richard "Rusty" and Patricia "Tricia" Penick, the Fertitta Center playing surface has been renamed the Penick Court ahead of the 2019-20 season.

The Penick Court was dedicated Monday afternoon with the Penick family, Houston head coaches Kelvin Sampson and Ron Hughey, and coaching and support staff members from both teams in attendance.

"We have had a lot of great memories in this building over the years with Phi Slama Jama, concerts and many other events. There were so many people who were committed to remodeling the arena between Tilman Fertitta, Dr. Renu Khator, Chris Pezman and various alumni just to name a few," said Rusty Penick, who is a 1978 UH graduate. "We felt called to support this project and make an impact ourselves."

A year ago, more than 100,000 fans poured into the Fertitta Center for the first time since the facility's state-of-the-art $60 million renovation. Throughout the 2018-19 campaign – the Cougars' inaugural season playing in the Fertitta Center – UH fans watched the Men's team assemble a 15-1 home record and extend their home winning streak to 33 consecutive games, the nation's longest at one point.

The Women's team compiled its best finish in conference play since joining the American Athletic Conference, advancing to the postseason for the second straight season.

"When Coach Sampson committed to making Houston his home, we decided it was time for us to do our part. We are just fortunate that we are in a position to help," said Penick, who is the co-founding partner and former CEO of Maintenance Supply Headquarters. "The Fertitta Center is one of the elite basketball arenas in the country and one of which all Cougars may be proud."

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The gift that creates Penick Court is a part of the University's "Here, We Go" capital campaign. UH eclipsed its original goal by raising more than $1 billion 18 months ahead of schedule. The campaign will conclude in 2020, but the momentum continues.

"UH's world-class athletics facilities wouldn't even be possible without this kind of support," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "We are grateful for the Penicks' generosity and proud to have the court named for two of our biggest fans and most ardent supporters."

The Men's team opens its 2019-20 season when it faces Angelo State at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, in an exhibition game inside the Fertitta Center. Prior to that game, Houston Women's Basketball takes on Southeastern Louisiana in an exhibition game at 1 p.m., Nov. 9.

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