UofL Athletics receives a $3.5 million gift from the Galt House Hotel

The Galt House Hotel, the iconic and legendary hotel located on the riverfront in downtown Louisville, has committed $3.5 million to the University of Louisville's Cardinal Athletic Fund.

The funds will be targeted for an expansion and renovation of the Planet Fitness Kueber Center, which houses training facilities and offices on the UofL campus for the Cardinals' men's basketball, women's basketball and women's lacrosse teams. Details on the project will be announced at a later date.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of the Galt House," said UofL Vice President and Director of Athletics Vince Tyra. "The sponsorship agreement avails us the opportunity to experience the amazing renovation of the hotel rooms and its amenities going forward. The larger meeting space allows more supporters to experience some of our annual events for the first time. The Schneider family has been long time supporters of the university and we are very fortunate to forge this mutually beneficial partnership for years to come."

In recognition of the generous gift from the Al J. Schneider Company, UofL will name the football suite levels on the east and west sides of the Cardinal Stadium as The Galt House Hotel Suite Level. Signage throughout the stadium will identify the areas, as well as inclusion on the suite level tickets.

In addition, special events for Cardinal Athletics, such as the annual Football Kickoff Luncheon and Basketball Tipoff Luncheons, will be staged in the renovated ballrooms, restaurants and public areas of the Galt House Hotel. The gift will be paid over a 10-year period.

"UofL Athletics is a centerpiece of our community, and this is a chance for us to be part of that excitement," said Scott Shoenberger, president and CEO of the Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House. "We are thrilled to be able to support another iconic Louisville institution in this way, and look forward to a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership." 

Over the past several years, the Al J. Schneider Company has invested more than $80 million in The Galt House, which has undergone a massive renovation that touches nearly every corner of the property, including guest rooms, meeting spaces, lobby areas, and the hotel's four dining areas.