The long-discussed renovation of Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus took another step forward on Friday with the university inviting several architectural firms to discuss a planned $90-million to $110-million update of the aging facility.

Bruins Sports Information Director Marc Dellins confirmed that the Ellerbe Becket, NBBJ and Rossetti architectural firms have been placed on a short list of candidates that includes a joint proposal from architect Michael Hallmark and Nadel Architects.

Pauley Pavilion, which opened in 1965, has a rich heritage given its role as home court for the UCLA basketball, gymnastics and volleyball programs. But the building lacks comfortable, close-to-the-action seats, big-screen television monitors, luxury seating, modern concession stands and other amenities that universities increasingly rely upon to generate revenue.

Crosstown rival USC, for example, has spent about $130 million on its new Galen Center, with 10,258 seats that bring fans close to the court, easily accessible concessions stands, modern locker rooms and a state-of-the-art weight room.

Pauley Pavilion can accommodate more than 13,000 fans, but its courtside seats are relatively far from the court -- a design dictate handed down by former Bruins coach John Wooden, who had a strong say in the building's original floor plan.

The proposed renovation could include improved locker facilities for athletes, support facilities for athlete program personnel and premium seating or club facilities for fans. Much of the proposed renovation would occur in Pauley Pavilion's interior, but the university also is considering exterior modifications, including a possible new entry concourse. Seismic and fire-safety improvements also are being contemplated.

New seats could be added, existing seating could be rearranged and the arena's acoustics would be improved. In addition to close-in seating, UCLA also is considering state-of-the-art video replay technology that also could present in-game statistical information.

UCLA initially had worked with HOK Sport, a firm that specializes in athletic facilities. But in October, UCLA invited additional architectural firms with arena and stadium design expertise to submit proposals.

The firms announced on Friday have been invited to make presentations to UCLA in mid-December, but Dellins said that it is too early to say when the project might move forward.

"We don't really have an estimated timetable yet for the rest of the process," he said. "We'll have a better idea on that once we've met with the architects and picked one."

According to sources close to the UCLA Athletic Department, Athletic Director Dan Guerrero has commitments for about $45 million, or approximately half of what the proposed renovation would cost.

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