The Pavilion

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Pavilion is a 6,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, just outside of Philadelphia. It was built in 1985, and is home to the Villanova University Wildcats basketball teams. It is recognizable from the outside for its hyperbolic paraboloid roofline, similar to Alfond Arena at the University of Maine. It replaced the Villanova Field House, later renamed the "Jake Nevin Filed House," a small arena-auditorium on campus built in 1932. The first men's game played at the Pavilion took place on Saturday, February 1, 1986 versus the University of Maryland. The basketball court only takes up half the space of the building; it is expandable as an indoor track facility and recreation center. For games where larger crowds are expected, Villanova plays at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia.

The facility was originally known as John Eleuthère du Pont Pavilion, as it was funded by John Eleuthère du Pont, a member of the wealthy and influential du Pont family. In 1997, the du Pont name was removed from the facility, with the family's tacit permission, after John was convicted of the murder of Olympic wrestling gold medalist Dave Schultz.

The arena is also used for concerts, conventions, trade shows, graduation ceremonies and other special events. The arena floor measures 23,016 square feet; there are two meeting rooms.

[edit] External links

• Official Webpage