Proposal to Rename U of Montana Gyms Open to Public Comment

Two of the most devoted Montana Grizzly sports fans may soon have an athletic facility named after them. Let's take a look at what is being proposed.

THE STEVE AND SHIRLEY NELSON TRAINING CENTER

UM News Service tells us that the University of Montana will hold an on-campus listening session Wednesday, May 6, to gather public comment on the proposal to rename the Adams Center auxiliary gyms after Steve and Shirley Nelson.  The listening session will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the University of Montana’s Hall of Champions in the Adams Center. The proposed name of the facility will be the Steve and Shirley Nelson Training Center.

WHAT THE A.D. HAS TO SAY

UM Director of Athletics Kent Haslam was quoted in the press release as saying,          “Steve and Shirley Nelson are amongst the strongest supporters we have of UM and Grizzly Athletics. This generous gift will provide a much-needed renovation to one of the most heavily-used facilities on our campus. We are grateful for their support, and for their continued investment in our student athletes.”

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MEET THE NELSONS

Steve and Shirley are longtime Missoula residents and supporters of Grizzly Athletics. They both received a 2022 Community Service Award from UM. Steve graduated from UM in 1970 and was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award by the UM Alumni Association. He currently serves as a member of the Grizzly Athletics National Advisory Board and formerly served on the UM College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council.

In February of this year, the Nelsons donated $1 million to the University of Montana to renovate the east and west auxiliary gyms. This donation marks the first digital currency gift for UM athletics.

THE VISION

When complete, the training center will provide two full-size wood floor basketball courts. The space will be used by the Grizzly men’s basketball, Lady Griz basketball and volleyball teams for practice and training. One gym will be used as a competition space for volleyball, to compliment Robin Selvig Court in the Adams Center's Dahlberg Arena. The space will also be used for intramural sports as well as local basketball and volleyball clubs.