The renovation of athletics facilities at The University of Texas is more than bricks and mortar. It is about pride and promise. About a past of accomplishment and a future of excellence. It is about the transformation of lives and the realization of human potential. About honor, commitment, and vision. It is about all a great university has given and all it will give the countless generations to come.

Since its creation in 1883, The University of Texas has upheld a standard of excellence that has made it one of the most distinguished universities in the world. In the classroom, on the playing field, and in the lives of students -- the UT tradition has been one of opportunity and achievement.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the UT Athletics Department, where student athletes are encouraged to strive for success in every facet of their lives.

UT athletes are encouraged to become contributing members of their communities through participation-based programs. Neighborhood Longhorns -- the University's signature community outreach program -- pairs student athletes with at-risk students the Austin school district for tutoring and mentoring. Team visits to local schools and hospitals and attendance at local charity events help student athletes develop a sense of social commitment and responsibility and teach them the importance of giving back to the community.

UT athletes excel scholastically as well as athletically. Eighty percent of all student athletes who complete their athletics eligibility graduate. The goal of the Athletics Department is to provide the support each student athlete needs to earn an academic degree -- a necessity in today's competitive world.

Superior facilities and excellent support services help make this goal a reality.

Opened: 1924

It's been said that the football stadium is the front porch of a university, and this is indeed the role that the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium has played in the collective life of The University of Texas. Visitors, old friends, and family members alike gather in the stands to experience the University's drive for excellence. For visitors, the stadium is often the first -- and only -- glimpse of UT and may come to represent the University in its entirety. For friends and alumni, entering the stadium is a homecoming, a return to the place where they first experienced the wide-open possibilities of the world, the place where they first learned to dream.

The renovation of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium pays tribute to one of UT's greatest legends. It is one of the most advanced football facilities in the U.S. and a worthy home for the 1999 Southwestern Bell Cotton Bowl Classic champions and their fans.

Opened: 1986

The Moncrief-Neuhaus building provides superior training facilities for all 20 UT athletics teams. The remodeling doubles the space within the center to 90,000 square feet and includes weight-training areas, locker rooms, conference rooms, football coaches' offices, and athletics training and rehabilitation areas.

Opened: 1999

Old and new traditions share common ground at the University's new track & field and soccer stadium. With an Olympic-quality wide oval track, a superior field of play, and seating for up to 20,000 fans, the facility ensures the continuation of UT's rich track and field history. It also enables the University to field a first-class women's soccer program.

As the new home for the UIL State Championship events, the Texas Relays, and statewide school soccer tournaments and clinics, the facility attracts many of the state's top athletes to UT.

Opened: 1998

With a state of the art playing field, permanent seating for 1,300 fans, the most modern patron amenities, concessions, and impressive locker room and office facilities, the new softball stadium ranks among the top three softball facilities in the nation. This premier facility provides a superior training and competition site for years to come.

And since it is one of the top candidates to host the NCAA tournaments, Division I invitational tournaments, the UIL Championship, and softball camps, it offers the UT softball program a powerful recruitment tool with which to attract talented young players.