Almost three decades ago, the Naval Academy renovated the ground floor of Ricketts Hall, the building that houses the entire athletic department.
Among the improvements were a spacious new football locker room, upgraded weightlifting and conditioning center along with an auditorium.
Naval Academy Athletic Association officials named the auditorium in honor of legendary former football player Joe Bellino, the 1960 Heisman Trophy winner.
In 1994, NAAA held a dedication ceremony for the entire project and Bellino invited approximately 40 classmates and their wives to attend. Admiral Ed Straw, a member of the Class of 1961, was among those on hand to witness the unveiling of Bellino Hall.