BALTIMORE – Loyola University Maryland unveiled its renovated Forbes Court floor in Reitz Arena, a project that started last winter and culminated with a new playing surface and design for the Greyhounds teams.
 
The new surface replaces the original version that was installed when Reitz Arena opened in 1984. The venue serves as the home to Loyola men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball while also providing the largest gathering space for the entire university community.
 
"We are excited for our student-athletes to return to an incredible new court in Reitz Arena where they will practice and compete on a completely new, state-of-the-art playing surface," said Donna M. Woodruff, Loyola's assistant vice president and director of athletics. "Replacing the floor that was originally installed in 1984 has been a university priority, and we are extremely grateful for the work that was done across campus to make this a reality."
  Student-athletes will now play on the Connor Sports VIP^™️ floor system that provides advanced vibration control to provide a more comfortable surface for competition and practices.
 
Members of the Greyhounds athletics staff, coaches and university leadership collaborated to design and select the new look of the court that incorporates many details specific to Loyola and its home state.
 
Forbes Court will now feature a natural hardwood color for the floor with the border outlined in the school's green. An outline of the State of Maryland is stained at center court behind the Loyola logo. The court's sidelines have the Maryland flag painted in green and grey, further representing the school's commitment and long-standing traditions in the Baltimore and Maryland communities.
 
Painted at midcourt is "Forbes Court," in honor of Jim '80 and Hollis Forbes, for whom the court was named in recognition of a $1 million gift used for significant upgrades of Reitz Arena last decade. He is a member of the Loyola University Board of Trustees and currently serves as Chairman.
 
On the other side of midcourt stands the Loyola motto: "Strong Truths Well Lived." A staple of the Greyhounds culture, this motto emphasizes the values of the school that was founded in 1852.