Hofheinz family files lawsuit to keep UH from renaming pavilion

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Since it was built in 1969 it's hosted events and basketball games from the Phi Slamma Jamma days until now. But Hofheinz Pavilion may be getting a new name.

UH employee Charlotte Donahue said, "I like tradition, why would they want to change the name?"

It's because an anonymous donor is offering $20 million for the naming rights.

Senior Brittany Bussey said, "We're gonna graduate there next week. It's a big thing to me and I don't know if I would like it if someone changed it. I couldn't say I graduated from Hofheinz."

The family of Roy Hofheinz says his charitable foundation agreed to pay $1.5 million four decades ago for the facility designated as Hofheinz Pavilion, that would be about $8 million today. Now the family is challenging the University in a petition.

Their attorney John Raley said, "Now years later having spent the money they've decided they no longer want to honor their agreement. We say that's wrong. The people should keep their word. It's an old value that's sometimes lost these days."

The University released this statement:

Hofeinz died in 1982 at the age of 70. Raley says the only thing besides a tombstone bearing his name in the city is the facility at UH. He was one of the youngest to serve as mayor, state representative and county judge. While his name isn't on many Houston landmarks his fingerprint surely is.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said, "I'm a Cougar, I lived in Moody Towers and went to Hofheinz. There's something in a name."

A pioneer of the Astrodome and Astroworld, Hofheinz was also instrument in bringing major league sports to Houston and started a network of radio and TV stations, including KTRK-TV and its original dome.

"It's bigger than just changing a name," said senior Brittany Bussey.

A hearing is scheduled for May 10, but Raley expects it will be continued.