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A flooded Pauley Pavilion reopened in 2012 after $136 million in renovations

Pauley Pavilion

Less than two years ago, UCLA unveiled its revamped Pauley Pavilion.

It modernized the historic college basketball arena, where an NCAA record 11 national championship banners hang from the rafters. On Tuesday afternoon, a massive water main break, led to a flooded the UCLA campus, turning the famous gymnasium into a natatorium.

The 30-inch water main on West Sunset Boulevard ruptured after 3 p.m., according to NBCLosAngeles.com. Just before 5 p.m., sandbags were being placed in front of the northern part of Pauley Pavilion, “where some water has already gotten inside.”

By 5:30 p.m. PDT, half court, which featured a new logo as part of those renovations several years ago, was covered in a pool of water.

In 2010, the university began renovations on the structure that opened in June of 1965. It was originally built for $5 million. The renovations, which lasted until 2012, ran upwards of $136 million. During renovations, the Bruins played most of their 2011-2012 regular season home games 16 miles away at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, which is closer to the USC campus. The Bruins played four more at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

UCLA opened the 2012-2013 season against Indiana State, the school where John Wooden began his coaching career. The Bruins downed the Sycamores, 86-59, on Nov. 9, 2012, the first game in the revamped Pauley Pavilion.

In that time, the university was able to add 1,000 seats, upping the capacity to 13,800. The Pavilion Club, located on the north side of the arena was constructed for UCLA donors to enjoy a buffet while also serving alcohol, two hours before home games. A new video board hung over half court. Concession stands were added. As was a new locker room for the men’s basketball team. A locker room that is now flooded.

Pauley Pavilion wasn’t the only UCLA athletic site to be affected on Tuesday. Drake Stadium, the track and field facility, was also flooded. According the Los Angeles Times, Spaulding Field, the football team’s practice facility, which also underwent renovations in 2012, appears to have avoided any damage.

The Los Angeles Times also reported that up to 10 million gallons of water poured out of the 90-year-old water main line. Pauley Pavilion is reportedly under six inches of water. UCLA is scheduled to play an exhibition game on Oct. 31 and open the season at home on Nov. 14 against Montana State.

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