Facelift on Devaney Center Court Now Complete

Lincoln, Neb. ? The court at the Bob Devaney Sports Center has undergone a dramatic facelift for the 2004-05 season. The court was scheduled for a regular maintainence and resurfacing this summer, but had not been redesigned since the mid-1990s. It is just the third design on the floor since it was installed before the building opened for the 1977-78 season.

"The Devaney Center is one of the top arenas in the Big 12 Conference and this redesign will add to its appeal with both the fans, student-athletes and recruits," said Executive Associate A.D. Marc Boehm. "This is more traditional with a classic look. It will highlight our signature piece with the ?N’ at midcourt. Our players this season are looking forward to being the first to compete on this outstanding court."

The redesign process began on Aug. 9 and took more than 30 days, with work being stopped twice for events in the Devaney Center (UNL summer commencement and Nebraska State Fair). While the floor was being completed, the Husker men’s and women’s basketball teams utilized an additional basketball-only practice facility at Mabel Lee Hall on the UNL campus.

During the process, the floor was sanded bare before a sealant was applied. The new court design, including the Nebraska ?N’ at midcourt along with the new Big 12 Conference logo in front of the Husker bench, was then put in place, along with the ?Nebraska’ in a new font on each baseline. Once the lettering and court markings were put in place, three coats of finish were applied.

The Nebraska Athletic Department selected Hart Floors Inc. of Doniphan, Neb., to oversee the refinishing process. Hart Floors Inc. has been in the hardwood flooring industry for more than 50 years, specializing in hardwood maple athletic flooring systems installation, maintenance, repair and refinishing.

While the surface was redone, the system underneath the floor was left in place. It is a criss-crossing wood support structure that is still considered a state-of-art system that provides a cushion for athletes returning to the floor.