San Diego State University will break ground Aug. 27 on its basketball practice facility, which will be named after major donor Jeff Jacobs, the university announced Friday.
The $14.5 million Jeff Jacobs JAM Center, which will provide practice space for the men's and women's basketball programs, will also honor donors Hal and Debby Jacobs, Steve and Lisa Altman and Jim Morris — the first letters of their last names making up the JAM acronym.
The 23,500-square-foot facility will contain two full-length courts, eight baskets, locker rooms, film rooms, team lounges, an athletic training room and coaches' locker rooms.
"This performance center is a testament to the incredible job (men's coach) Steve Fisher has done," said Jeff Jacobs, a former Qualcomm executive and vice chairman of the NBA's Sacramento Kings. "I am very proud to contribute with my brother Hal and great friends Steve Altman and Jim Morris to play a small part in ensuring that the Aztec basketball program remains prominent on the national stage and a very attractive entertainment option for the San Diego community."
The Aztec men put together a 31-5 record in the 2013-14 season, won the Mountain West regular season championship and advanced to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Tournament.
The Manna Charitable Foundation and the Walter and Betty Zable Foundation were also major contributors to the project. SDSU said about $2 million still needs to be raised, but no state funds will be used to construct the building.
