After almost three years of renovations, the Cerritos College gym was officially dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The gym - also known as The Aviary - underwent a state-funded seismic upgrade which comprises of (120) 70-foot deep concrete piers and reinforced concrete walls to make the building more resistant to earthquakes. While the renovation added new features/upgrades such as refinished floor, team rooms, meeting room, scoreboards, classroom, bleachers, restrooms, sound system and lighting, it was also about restoring a high-design mid-century modern architecture

Numerous guests were on hand to thank the Board of Trustees, community, construction company, President/Superintendent Dr. Linda Lacy, the Associated Students of Cerritos College and the student body for their hard work, dedication and patience during the long construction process.

Dr. Daniel Smith, Division Dean/HPEDA, women's basketball coach Karen Welliver and men's basketball coach Russ May also spoke about their appreciation toward all involved and spoke about their commitment to the college and community. A multitude of former coaches were on had to be part of the ceremony, which included former men's basketball head coach Jack Bogdanivich, former men's head coach and assistant men's and women's basketball coach Dean Ackland, former assistant men's and women's basketball coach Jerry Hernandez, retired volleyball coach Jeanine Prindle, as well as several retired division employees.

Originally designed by architects Henry Wright and Earl Freels from Kistner, Wright & Wright, the 33,925 sq. foot gymnasium - dubbed "The Aviary" - opened its doors in 1961. The gymnasium's distinctive four rolling-arched roof and organic curves reflect the clean, unique look of mid-century modern.

One of the first big events to be held in The Aviary will be the 2013-14 California Community College Athletic Assocation (CCCAA) Men's and Women's Basketball State Championships, which will take place March 14-16, 2014. The men’s semifinals will be held on the 15th, with the winners advancing to their State championship game, also scheduled for the 16th.