Portland, OR. More than 600 guests joined Portland State University and Viking Athletics for the grand opening of the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, a new all-purpose arena and events space in the heart of the Portland State campus. Julie & Peter Stott are volunteers and major contributors to the Viking Pavilion campaign. “The new Viking Pavilion truly serves as a testament to the potential of what we can accomplish together,” said Peter W. Stott. “This is a place that makes us all proud to be Vikings.”
The gala, previously called Wine & Roses, raised a record-breaking $800,000 for the Viking Athletics program, the majority of which will be used to support student scholarships. This outpouring of support is the largest amount raised in the history of the benefit — and more than $200,000 than the previous year.
For The Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center dinner, the program and auction were held on the new basketball court: “Stoller Court.”
President & CEO of PSU Foundation, Bill Boldt; President & Founder of Darkhorse Comics, Mike Richardson; Executive Director of Maurice Lucas Foundation, David Lucas; CEO & Founder of DB Western, Inc., Dennis Beetham.
The PSU Football team greeted all guests arriving at the event on the Park Blocks, including Phil & Shawna Cam.
Viking Athletic Director Valerie Cleary holds up her Viking “V” with pride in her new home that will change the game for the future of PSU Athletics.
“Our students are the heart of everything we do at Portland State,” said PSU Athletics Director Valerie Cleary. “I’m so thankful to our supporters for investing in their success.”
Trailblazer legend Brian Grant attended the basketball arena grand opening gala and has already scheduled an event of his own in the Viking Pavilion – the first Annual Maurice Lucas Foundation vs. Brian Grant Foundation basketball game scheduled for Saturday, August 18th.
Gordon Sondland, Julie Stott, Kelly Hale, Ann Thompson, & Katy Durant admire the new Walter C. Bowen Grand Hall in the Peter W. Stott Center overlooking the Park Blocks.
Viking student-athletes are excited to finally greet guests in their new home at the grand opening.
President of PSU, Dr. Rahmat Shoureshi enjoyed the evening with his wife (left) Azar Shoureshi and his daughter (right) Poone Shoureshi.
“We are grateful for everyone who attended this wonderful evening in support of PSU Athletics. This cornerstone program teaches teamwork and discipline — the building blocks for success in work and in life,” said PSU President Rahmat Shoureshi.
The Big Sky Conference’s two best freshman, both earning Freshman Player’s of the Year accolades, Holland “Booboo” Woods of the men’s basketball team and Kylie Jimenez of the women’s basketball team thank attendees for their support and for their new arena.
“On behalf of our teams and our fellow student-athletes, thank you for believing in us, for investing in us, and for cheering for us,” said Woods. “This is our new home. And when we win our first game on this court next year, we know you’ll be right here by our side.”
Highlights from the event included an exciting live auction, with prizes including packages for wine tastings, an Italian villa, and a trip to the Country Music Awards, as well as a paddle raise to directly raise support for student scholarships.
The evening recognized the contributions of all those who came together to make the Viking Pavilion project possible, including Peter W. Stott, a member of the PSU Board of Trustees who was an early advocate for the renovation. Stott’s advocacy garnered additional support for the capital construction project, which was completed and opened in April 2018.
From PSU:
The success of the event is attributed, in part, to premiere event sponsors, Jeff Eulberg and Joe Wiser of Evergreen Gavekal. Extra special thanks to event sponsors Peter and Julie Stott Foundation, Burns Brothers, Stewart Sokol & Larkin, Key Event Services and Les Schwab, and the many others who came together in support of Portland State Athletics.
About the Viking Pavilion:
The Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center is the new home of Portland State Athletics Program. The 3,000-seat arena will host Big Sky Championship basketball and volleyball games. The facility also offers a new weight room, locker rooms, classrooms, academic center and administrative offices as well as the new OHSU Sports Medicine Center. A new Viking Athletics Hall of Fame display will open this coming fall. The $52.1 million renovation was designed by Woofter Architects and Perkins+Will, and completed by Fortis Construction.
For more information: https://www.pdx.edu/conferences/viking-pavilion-at-the-peter-w-stott-center
