UC San Diego Magazine Fall 2022 | Page 10

ON ASSIGNMENT
DIVISION I SPORTS

RIMAC RENAMED

Gift to scholar-athletes reflects growth and potential of Division I sports .
BY JADE GRIFFIN ’ 03
AFTER MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF ATHLETIC competitions , graduations and concerts , UC San Diego ’ s RIMAC Arena has been renamed LionTree Arena in recognition of a $ 5 million gift for scholar-athletes .
LionTree , an independent investment and merchant bank with expertise in technology , media and the digital economy , was founded by Aryeh B . Bourkoff ’ 95 , who serves as the firm ’ s CEO .
“ With Aryeh and LionTree ’ s generosity , we are able to recruit and retain outstanding scholar-athletes , build strong teams , enrich campus life and elevate our reputation as an academic and athletic powerhouse ,” says Chancellor Pradeep K . Khosla .
RIMAC Arena will be named LionTree Arena for a period of up to seven years .
“ LionTree ’ s gift is an investment in UC San Diego ’ s impact , growth and potential ,” says Bourkoff . “ Stellar scholar-athletes are essential to a successful DI program , and I look forward to experiencing it all first-hand at my first Division I Triton game this fall .”
RIMAC ( Recreation , Intramural and Athletic Complex ) is a student-driven athletic and event complex that opened in 1995 . The arena hosts a range of large spectator events for up to 5,000 people . Recent renovations have included a skybox overlooking the court for 125 guests , the addition of a 50-foot video display screen and a production studio where games are filmed and broadcast live on ESPN + and other digital and linear broadcast channels .
“ My hope is that LionTree Arena will be home to many memorable moments , both on and off the court ,” says Bourkoff .
08 FALL 2022