University of Dayton Arena
From NCAA Wiki
| |
| Facility Statistics | |
| Location | Dayton, Ohio |
| Broke Ground | |
| Opened | 1969 |
| Owner | University of Dayton |
| Operator | University of Dayton |
| Surface | N/A |
| Seating Capacity | 13,176 |
| Cost (USD) | 4,500,000 |
The University of Dayton Arena is home to the Dayton Flyers The Arena was built in 1969 for approximately $4.5 million without the use of public funds. The arena has been a tremendous host site for UD Hoops. The Flyers' win over Duquesne on February 17, 1999 was their 500th game at UD Arena and their 350th win in the venue. Nationally, the Arena is better known as a host to 16 of the last 33 NCAA Tournaments. Which covers 63 games, UD Arena is fourth all-time behind Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium, New York's Madison Square Garden, and Salt Lake City's Huntsman Center.
During the summer of 1997, the University made two moves to forever tie the Arena with two of the greatest names in UD basketball history.
The playing court at UD Arena was named after former Flyer coach Tom Blackburn, and the $4.5 million addition to the Arena was named for former player and coach Don Donoher. The two coaches combined for nearly 800 victories from 1947 to 1989. The playing floor is officially known as 'Tom Blackburn Court at the University of Dayton Arena,' but is referred to as 'Blackburn Court.' Blackburn coached the Flyers from 1947 until his death due to cancer in 1964. Only 58 at the time of his death, Blackburn won 352 games while posting a .714 win percentage. When he had signed on at UD, the Flyers had just posted a four-win season. Four years later, his team was playing in the championship game of the most prestigious tournament of the day, the National Invitation Tournament.
In 2002 UD Arena had major renovations completed. Additions to the arena included suites and lodge seats, and the new Time Warner Cable Flight Deck -- All these new addidtions overlook Blackburn Court with a powerful view of all of the action. The Boesch Lounge received a face-lift along with new restrooms and upgraded concessions for the fans.
