The University of Houston Athletics Department has received an anonymous $10 million pledge in support of its planned football development center (FDC). 

The FDC—estimated to be 100,000 square feet and feature cutting-edge amenities—represents a transformational resource that will impact recruiting, student-athlete development, and competitiveness. Part of Houston Rise, the newly launched $150 million fundraising campaign centered on competitive excellence in the Big 12 Conference, which the university will officially join next July, the gift also is expected to motivate other major gift donors to come forward and invest.

“An eight-figure gift is rare. To have someone who believes in us, our mission, and the direction we’re going while entrusting us with a significant gift is humbling,” said UH vice president for athletics Chris Pezman. “I cannot express our true appreciation. It’s incredibly impactful and it makes a very definitive statement about where we’re going and what we’re doing.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mohammad Sarfraz)