Gersten Pavilion West Wing
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERISTY LIONS
Gersten Pavilion has long been the heart of LMU athletics — home to basketball, volleyball, and decades of history. Our work on the West Wing renovation transforms the Pavilion once again, elevating the environment with brand-driven design, refreshed spaces, and renewed energy for student-athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
Gersten Pavilion opened in 1981 and has undergone periodic updates over the years — new floors, improved lighting, refreshed locker rooms and training rooms, and upgraded seating.
But by 2022, the west wing still lacked the modern amenities and identity alignment to fully support LMU’s ambitions for recruiting, athlete experience, and fan engagement. The outdated academic and support spaces, circulation, fan access, and overall brand presence didn’t match the standard of a contemporary Division I athletic program.
With Athletics leadership and the Lions Athletic Fund committing to build momentum, the renovation was launched in 2024 to overhaul the West Wing — bringing new academic support, upgraded offices, better fan and media access, and a revitalized facade.
The West Wing project set out to raise the standard for LMU Athletics. A key priority was giving LMU’s 275+ student-athletes a modern academic support center designed to elevate performance on and off the court.
At the same time, the renovation needed to strengthen recruiting. The goal was to create a top-tier facility that blends athletic purpose with academic support and delivers an experience worthy of a Division I program.
Equally important was improving the fan and spectator journey. Upgraded seating, circulation, and access were designed to reinforce Gersten Pavilion as a true home for the community — a place that feels energized, intentional, and unmistakably LMU.
Throughout the project, a cohesive brand environment was essential. Every space needed to connect, reinforce identity, and reflect LMU’s broader standard of excellence.
In the end, the renovation accomplished far more than a facelift. It laid the groundwork for long-term success, identity, and belonging.
We worked alongside LMU Athletics leadership, the Lions Athletic Fund, and project partners to translate the vision into design and execution. The renovation planning began publicly in 2022, with ground officially breaking in April 2024.
Because Gersten Pavilion remains active — hosting games, classes, training, and other events — scheduling was a major constraint. We coordinated closely with university operations to minimize disruption, stage construction around events, and maintain safety and access.
Every design decision balanced practicality and impact — from layout and room programming to materials, signage, and wayfinding. The collaboration was grounded in delivering maximum value and experience within budget and structural constraints.
The renovation delivered a complete design transformation of the West Wing, starting with a new 7,000-square-foot Academic Support Center. The space now includes study zones, resource labs, and dedicated tutoring rooms — a massive leap from the previous 400-square-foot setup.
Coaches’ suites and offices were reimagined and strategically positioned to overlook refreshed seating and the court. The result is improved oversight, a more efficient workflow, and a stronger impression for recruits and visitors.
The project also introduced an enhanced media and video control room with upgraded broadcast infrastructure, increasing the Pavilion’s appeal for televised coverage and strengthening LMU’s visibility on regional and national platforms.
Outside, a refreshed façade and clearer entry experience give the building a stronger presence. Updated wayfinding and modern identity cues help visitors navigate the facility while reinforcing LMU’s brand.
Inside, updated fan seating and improved court-adjacent amenities elevate the spectator experience and bring a more modern, energetic arena atmosphere.
Across every surface — from color and typography to signage and visual cues — the design maintains a unified brand language. The result is a space that feels intentional, cohesive, and unmistakably LMU.
The West Wing renovation repositions Gersten Pavilion as a modern, competitive facility built to meet the needs of athletes, recruits, students, and fans.
Student-athletes now have a true academic home-base. Coaches operate within high-end spaces designed for development, preparation, and recruiting. Fans and media experience a refreshed, more welcoming arena that better reflects LMU’s standard.
These upgrades strengthen LMU’s recruiting story by showing real investment in athlete support, performance, and brand excellence.
The Pavilion’s renewed identity brings greater pride, cohesion, and long-term value to the athletics program and the broader campus community.
Ultimately, the West Wing renovation is a statement of intent. LMU is investing not just in facilities, but in people, culture, and legacy. It proves that Gersten Pavilion is where LMU Athletics lives, competes, and thrives.
