Muhammad Ali Center Prepares for Phase II Construction

Louisville, KY  (June 4, 2004) ... Muhammad Ali has had a lifelong dream:  to build a center that shares, teaches, and inspires people to be their best and to pursue their dreams.  Ali’s ambition is becoming one step closer to being fulfilled as the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville gears up for the initial stage of construction.

Phase I of the project began in June 2002 with the groundbreaking of the underground parking structure and public plaza, which serves as the foundation for the 93,000 square foot Ali Center.  This garage, owned and operated by the Parking Authority of River City, opened for business in April.

Phase II will begin in the next several weeks as the cranes, steel, and other supplies are delivered to the construction site.

But even before the first beam of steel is erected, the Ali Center is building meaningful partnerships and programs.  While the four walls of the headquarters building will house the exhibitry, auditoriums, educational classrooms, and other public venues, it is the energy expended beyond the four walls—distance learning programs, intercultural dialogue and other collaborations not limited by geographic boundaries—that will enhance and truly help realize the goals of the Ali Center.

Opening in fall of 2005, the Muhammad Ali Center will be a ‘global gathering place’ where people come—both online and in-person—to explore, share, and to celebrate the commonalities and world we all share as human beings.  The Center will draw on six themes of Ali’s life—conviction, confidence, dedication, respect, spirituality, and giving— to tell his epic tale of personal “greatness” and to challenge visitors to find the greatness within themselves.

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