Alumni Arena (University at Buffalo)

Description

"The Recreation and Athletics Complex (RAC) on the University's North Campus includes Alumni Arena, a $12.5 million Phase II Building and a $1.5 million outdoor playing fields complex."

"Alumni Arena's main gymnasium is home to the Bulls men's and women's basketball teams, wrestling team and the women's volleyball team." "The largest "free-floating" hardwood floor in the United States at the time it was built, it features basketball, volleyball and badminton courts circled by a 200-meter track and a capacity of 6,783 spectators following renovations during the summer of 2004."

The arena used to seat more than 8,000 people, but a renovation project funded by the Blue & White club reduced the seating to 6,783 by eliminating bleachers and adding chairbacks. The student section was relocated with the renovations. Before the renovations, the students used to generally sit behind the scorer's table, from baseline to baseline, except immediately behind the players' benches. Syracuse's Carrier Dome is the only on-campus college basketball facility in the state that is larger. The volleyball court was constructed for the World University Games in 1993.

"The building includes three levels of offices, locker rooms, equipment and training-therapy rooms, seminar rooms, and racquetball courts." "The Phase II Building on the north side of Alumni Arena has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a separate diving well, a triple gymnasium, and dance studio." "Other areas are a wrestling practice room, two weight-training rooms (a fitness center and a varsity weight room), additional racquetball and squash courts, an erg room, and an aerobics room."

Behind Alumni Arena, a playing fields complex provides lighted outdoor space for several sports, including soccer, field hockey, softball, tennis, basketball, handball and archery.

In 2011, the lighting and sound systems in the arena were upgraded to state-of-the-art quality. A new video and scoring system was also installed.

On February 3, 2012, the Harlem Globetrotters played on the Bulls court. On August 22, 2013, President Barack Obama spoke to a sold-out crowd at Alumni Arena about the rising costs of college tuition.

Gallery

File:President Barack Obama speaking at the University at Buffalo (9571952296).jpg|A crowd gathered for a speech by President Barack Obama in 2013 File:Alumni Arena UB.jpg|Alumni Arena with scoreboard improvements in 2012 File:UB vs Ohio 2006.jpg|Alumni Arena student section at a Buffalo Bulls basketball game in 2006

References

References

1. (2019). "State University of New York at Buffalo: Game Notes". University at Buffalo Athletics.
2. (31 October 2011). "UB Athletics announces upgrades to Alumni Arena". State University of New York at Buffalo.
3. Miller, Melinda. (January 31, 2012). "Globetrotters put on their game face". [[Buffalo News]].
4. Zremski, Jerry. (15 August 2013). "White House confirms Obama visit to UB: Will speak at Alumni Arena in the morning". The Buffalo News.
5. "Remarks by the President on College Affordability -- Buffalo, NY". [[whitehouse.gov]].
6. (22 August 2013). "As President Obama talks college affordability, Buffalo's program looks to be a model". The Washington Post.