One of the most exciting moments for Portland State University and its Athletics program has come to pass as funding for the Viking Pavilion Project has met its preliminary goal, allowing construction to begin. A recent contribution of $7.5 million by Oregon Health & Science University (see release below) means Portland State has achieved the necessary matching private dollars to go with already acquired state bonds. There are now $44 million for the project, the required amount to get the Viking Pavilion Project started. The PSU Foundation will continue to raise money for the project as it seeks an additional $5 million to reach its stated goal of $49 million.

The Viking Pavilion and Academic Center will transform PSU's outdated athletics facility into a lively campus landmark for academics, the arts and athletics. A new entrance and glass windows will open up the building to the South Park Blocks, and energy-efficient design and construction will demonstrate PSU's commitment to sustainability.

"The Viking Pavilion will kick-start a new era in athletics at Portland State," said Director of Athletics Mark Rountree. "The new arena and renovations to the Peter W. Stott Center will provide modern facilities for our student-athletes to achieve competitive and academic success. The Pavilion will also focus on a greater connection between the campus community and Athletics by providing programing for all PSU students as well as a great events venue for the city of Portland."

The renovated building will include new space for studying, tutoring, advising, and health and physical education classes. The new pavilion will fill Portland's need for a mid-size public venue and have a significant positive impact on the region:

In addition, the project will: 

• Create 396 construction jobs; and
• Support the equivalent of 24 permanent full-time jobs.

A public-private partnership, the project combines at least $20 million in private funds with $24 million in state bonds. PSU has contracted with Woofter Architecture and construction on the planned pavilion is expected to begin in spring 2016. 

More details will come on the Viking Pavilion Project. In the meantime, here is the release from OHSU about its contribution to the project:

Press Release From OHSU (Mar. 13):
Encouraged by the success of the Collaborative Life Sciences Building — a joint effort of Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and Portland State University — OHSU today announced that it will contribute to the development of PSU's Viking Pavilion, a planned facility for educational, community and athletic events on Portland's South Park Blocks. The agreement calls for OHSU to contribute $7.5 million to the project for joint OHSU and PSU use of the facility for academic and other events.  

"The real value for us is in the opportunities it creates to further collaborate with PSU on educational initiatives both at the student and community level. We continue to look at partnerships that maximize state funding and expand health and educational opportunities for all Oregonians. Like the Collaborative Life Sciences Building, our investment in the planned Viking Pavilion allows us to once again combine resources and brainpower without duplicating space," said OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A.
 
"Collaboration between our universities was once rare," said PSU President Wim Wiewel, Ph.D. "Now, Joe and I meet regularly, along with faculty and staff, to think of new ways to work together and share resources."
 
When completed in December 2017, the Viking Pavilion will provide essential space for OHSU events that the tightly constrained Marquam Hill Campus cannot always accommodate, including:

• Commencement activities
• Educational lectures for PSU and OHSU students
• Top-tier national speakers of interest to the region
• Scientific conferences and keynote lectures
• Donor receptions
• Community health fairs
• Physical therapy and other sports medicine services 

Established OHSU-PSU educational initiatives include a joint Master's of Business Administration program in Health Care Management and a number of OHSU-PSU faculty collaborations.
 
PSU has contracted with Woofter Architecture and construction on the planned pavilion is expected to begin in spring 2016. The pavilion is being funded through a public-private model that includes $24 million in state bonds. The estimated cost of the project is $44 million.
 
The Viking Pavilion will feature:

• An academic center for student advising, academic coaching and tutoring, with computer labs and study areas
• A large event venue for banquets, academic symposia, performances, basketball and volleyball games
• The ability to host 140 public events a year, attracting people downtown from across the region and generating millions of dollars in event-related spending 
• Health and physical education classrooms
• Energy-efficient, sustainable design and construction. 

About OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University is the state's only public academic health and research university. As one of Oregon's largest employers with more than 14,600 employees, OHSU's size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support not found anywhere else in the state. OHSU serves patients from every corner of Oregon and is a conduit for learning for more than 4,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to each county in the state.

About PSU
Oregon's urban research university, recognized for excellence in sustainability and community engagement, is located in the heart of downtown Portland. PSU's motto is "Let Knowledge Serve the City," and it offers more than 200 degrees with opportunities to work with businesses, schools and organizations on real-world projects.