TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics are saddened by the loss this week of one of the great Wildcats, George Kalil. A tremendous family man, exceptional business leader and a dedicated supporter, Kalil was a fixture inside McKale Center for 45 years with season tickets behind the Arizona bench. Kalil also traveled with the team to all of its road games for over forty years as well. He was an icon in Southern Arizona as a business titan with the Kalil Bottling Company, which began operation in Tucson in 1948. Kalil's impact on the University of Arizona and the community as an incredible philanthropist is everlasting.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kalil Family as we all mourn the passing of a great man, George Kalil. George was a diehard U of A Basketball fan perhaps more than anyone else. He traveled with our program to every away game for decades. George was also a fixture in McKale Center with season tickets behind our bench for over 40 years. He was generous, kind, humble, intelligent and fun loving. After each one of our games, win or lose, his demeanor was always the same; positive and appreciative of the effort put forth by our players and staff. Personally, I will miss George's smile and good-natured personality. I never saw him have a bad day. All of our basketball program's players and coaches, both past and present, loved and respected George as much as he did all of us. George Kalil made our basketball program better because he was such an integral part of it. He did the same for our community. Rest in Peace George. We will all miss you very much."
– Arizona Head Coach Sean Miller

"George was a tireless supporter of the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics. We will miss his remarkable enthusiasm for our teams and for our students. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Wildcat nation as we mourn this loss."
– University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins

"The Wildcat family is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend George Kalil. He was a tremendous family man and outstanding business leader whose passion and generosity were truly inspiring. George's impact on the University of Arizona and Southern Arizona is profound and his legacy will carry on through the many lives he touched. Our thoughts are with the Kalil family at this time as we honor George who was a proud Wildcat that made our community a better place."
– Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke