Greg Byrne, University of Arizona Athletic Director
Dick Kroese
Club members enjoyed hearing Greg Byrne talk about University of Arizona athletics. Byrne officially started as Arizona’s Director of Athletics on May 3, 2010. Byrne has helped Arizona athletics maintain its proud position both nationally and in the Pac 12 through the department’s five goals and principles: Graduate Student-Athletes; Follow the Rules; Represent the University and athletics Department in a First-Class Manner; Practice Sound Fiscal Management and Compete for Championships. He spent the initial part of his tenure focused on new funding initiatives, member expansion for the Wildcat Club and facility upgrades.
Under his leadership the Wildcats have seen construction completed on the $72 million Lowell Stevens Football Facility, the addition of a video board in Arizona Stadium, a new scoreboard in the McKale Center and men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball and gymnastics locker rooms. In addition the athletics department completed a $30 million renovation of the McKale Center. Byrne also put forth a bold plan in 2011 to relocate the Arizona baseball program from its on-campus facility to an iconic minor league ballpark located in the heart of midtown Tucson. The transition to Hi Corbett Field instantly upgraded the program’s facilities and amenities available to the fans.
A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Byrne is married to the former Regina Misa and the couple has two sons, Nick and Davis.