McKale Center Arena's playing surface was named in honor of coach Lute Olson in ceremonies following Arizona's 89-82 men's basketball victory over Arizona State Saturday.

Olson and his wife, Bobbi, were cited by UA President Peter Likins, athletics director Jim Livengood, associated AD Kathleen LaRose and former UA athletics director Cedric Dempsey. The latter, current NCAA president, was on the job in Tucson when Olson was lured from Iowa in 1983 to take the Arizona job.

Lute Olson Court at McKale Center will see its first game March 9 when No. 1 Stanford visits. A rendition of the floor was unveiled to show the eventual design, which will be painted this summer.