Academic Convocation Center at Xavier University Opens for Basketball Season

November 27, 2012

On Nov. 3, Xavier University of Louisiana’s new, 4,100 seat Convocation Center and Annex opened with a basketball doubleheader. Both the men’s and women’s teams christened the new facility, which replaced The Barn, after fans spent the morning tailgating and participating in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new arena.  Designed by Manning Architects, with Populous serving as the design consultant for the interior and seating bowl, the facility will be home to the basketball and volleyball teams at the University and will host a number of academic and community events for the University.

“The Convocation Center is an excellent example of how even a small arena can incorporate all the modern amenities and conveniences fans have come to expect from larger facilities, all the while helping to improve a campus,” explains Jim Swords, Principal at Populous, the design consultant on the project. “Xavier University is growing rapidly and this facility was designed with growth and flexibility in mind.”

The new arena features a state-of-the-art scoreboard with four LED displays, weight room facilities with training areas, offices for the coaches and staff and home and visitor locker rooms. The Convocation Center is also registered for LEED certification, which will make it the second LEED certified project at Xavier University of Louisiana. Green attributes include community connectivity, water conservation, energy efficiency, recycled and regional materials and improved indoor air quality.   The St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, which opened earlier this year, was the first LEED certified building on the campus.

“The Convocation Center and Annex symbolizes a new era at Xavier that will enhance more than just athletics,” said Dr. Norman Francis, the president of Xavier University.  “It will also allow the university to enhance its academic component.  The capacity allows for staff offices and educational activities to be held at the Center and Annex while providing enough space for all academic assemblies and commencement ceremonies to be brought back home to Xavier’s campus.”

For further information please contact:
media@populous.com

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