The University of Central Florida’s athletics program announced their lazy river will be coming soon after a generous $1 million donation from Tom ’88 and Stacey ’89 McNamara and their daughters Shannon, Erin, and Megan.
The $30 million Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village vision includes numerous improvements to the main campus including a new plaza, nutrition center, the lazy river, and more.
Previously, the lazy river was thought to be only for student-athletes but UCF Athletics announced Recovery Cove will be available to fans as a unique experience for tailgaters and corporate clients, while also generating revenue.
The river will cost less than $2 million and be funded entirely by private donations.
“The Athletics Village is where UCF student-athletes study, eat, train and compete,” said Tom McNamara.
“We are excited to help provide these exceptional young men and women a welcoming space to relax, socialize and study. This sort of facility will help build even more community amongst the student-athletes. It will also deliver a fun football game-day experience. Stacey, our daughters and I are thrilled to help UCF in this way.”
Director of Athletics Danny White envisioned a first-rate student-athlete experience at UCF and led the charge to fundraise. All the while, the Knights have gained national attention as college football’s current longest winning-team.
“Florida weather is one of our greatest competitive advantages,” UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White said.
“UCF student-athletes have very demanding schedules. Having a recovery and leisure space so close to the Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership and the Garvy Center for Student-Athlete Nutrition will significantly enhance the UCF student-athlete experience. Recovery Cove will also deliver one of college football’s most unique game-day premium experiences for UCF fans.”
