The Nevada Board of Regents approved an agreement between the University of Nevada, Reno and University Investors, Ltd., which will result in the University acquiring the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic (ROC) sports medicine building located on campus. The purchase is made possible as a result of a significant donation by University Investors, and it will position the University to develop an expanded and enhanced Sports Medicine Program.

The 8,700-square-foot facility is located on the south end of the Mackay Stadium complex on the University campus. It opened in 1992 when seven doctors from the ROC formed University Investors and constructed the facility which is leased to the ROC. Over the years, student-athletes have been among the patients receiving medical and orthopedic care at the facility. The ROC physicians also taught clinics and served as team physicians for home and away games.

“The Reno Orthopaedic Clinic has been privileged to provide orthopedic care to the University of Nevada intercollegiate athletes,” said Richard Blakey, an orthopedist with ROC.

Reflecting on the facility’s beginnings, Blakey said, “At that time, in conjunction with President Joe Crowley and Athletic Director Chris Ault, the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic developed a state-of-the-art medical sports facility providing on-campus orthopedic care, physical therapy and a modern weight room and training facility.”

“The Reno Orthopaedic Clinic physicians have generously contributed their time and expertise and supported a myriad of University programs,” said Dan Klaich, executive vice chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education. “Not only were they generous, they were innovative. They developed a model program that has served the community and countless student-athletes, and it now provides the basis for the next iteration of sports medicine at the University.”

The bargain purchase price of the sports medicine facility is $737,500. Based on an appraisal that valued the facility at $2.9 million, the donation to the University by University Investors is valued at $2.1 million.

“In light of the current financial and budget constraints, we are hopeful this will make it possible for the University and its athletic program and School of Medicine to expand the current sports medicine program,” said Blakey.

“We are appreciative of the support of the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic physicians,” said University President Milt Glick. “Sports medicine is a burgeoning medical field, and the agreement approved today provides the basis for an important and innovative teaching program that will contribute to the development of these healthcare professionals of the future.”

Reno Orthopaedic Clinic services will relocate as of June 1. The on-campus facility is also home to Nevada Physical Therapy, and this service will remain in the sports medicine facility.

The original and current owners of University Investors who are responsible for this significant contribution are Drs. Richard Blakey, Patrick Herz, James Greenwald, Timothy Bray, Robert J. Parlasca, James L. Christensen and Lex A. Simpson. Shown in the photo are (l-r) Klaich, Greenwald, Blakey, Simpson, ROC Certified Public Accountant Deane Albright and Glick.