WASHINGTON – For the past the five months the Field House has been receiving some much-needed improvements inside and outside of the venue.
Gallaudet University Athletics debuted a new Padden Court on September 20 during the first home women's volleyball match. The court was redone this past summer by Weyers Floor Service as they used a new court design made by Gallaudet alumnus
Isabella Paulone '23. The design features many prominent buildings and landmarks in Washington, D.C., and on Gallaudet's campus.
The design features the GU Bison logo at midcourt with the outline of the District of Columbia shaded in the background. In the foreground you will see from left to right designs of the following: Jefferson Memorial, Mighty Bison Statue, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, College Hall, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and U.S. Capitol.
"Seeing the finished result fills me with a sense of accomplishment and joy, knowing that my vision has come to life and will be enjoyed by others," said Paulone.
There is a brighter and fresh wood look to the court with a dark navy border. The baselines feature the word GALLAUDET with the floor shining through each letter. Donald A. Padden's signature is still prominent on the border along with the words Padden Court and the NCAA logo.
"Want to play horse from Tower Clock or the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial? Now you can," said Gallaudet Athletic Director
Warren Keller. "I want to thank Isabella Paulone and Weyers Floor Service for their work as this turned out truly beyond my wildest imagination."
Padden Court is home to Gallaudet's women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball and winter cheerleading. The Field House serves as home for many student events, Intramurals, conferences, pep rallies and graduation to name a few annual staples.
"Weyers Floor Service is very proud to bring the design of Padden Court to reality. This court has a wow factor like no other," said Al Brooks from Weyers Floor Service.
The other big additional inside the Field House at Padden Court is the new UltraVision LED Video Board. The new display is on the south end of the court and measures 24 feet and nine inches wide and 14 feet and nine inches tall. The screen measures 29-feet diagonally. The new display brings to life a more appeasing and accessible game environment for fans, teams, and officials. High-definition videos, including an ASL version of the national anthem and graphics shine brightly and clearly to those in attendance. The board is multi-use and will be in use for other University events like graduation.
"We wanted to bring a top-notch bilingual experience to our games and University wide events. With this beautiful floor alongside the videoboard and LED lights [installed last Spring] we are excited to elevate your experience here," said Keller.
On the outside the Might Bison Statue has a new entrance way that creates a more accessible and welcoming environment. The Field House parking garage has been repaired and a new large GU Bison window sticker will be added shortly outside the weight room.
It's a great time to be a Gallaudet Bison!
About Weyers Floor Service
Weyers has worked with notable professional and collegiate teams in the DMV including; the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, University of Maryland, Georgetown University, George Washington University and Marymount (Va.) University.
