Bender Arena

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Bender Arena
The American University's Washington College of Law Graduation Ceremoney in Bender Arena
Location	4400 Massachusetts, Ave., Washington, DC, USA
Opened	January 23, 1988
Owner	American University
Operator	American University
Tenants	American University Eagles Basketball and Volleyball
Capacity	Basketball and Volleyball: 4,500 Concerts: 6,000

Coordinates: 38°56′16″N, 77°5′24″W

Bender Arena is a 4,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Washington, DC. The arena opened in 1988. It is home to the American University Eagles basketball and volleyball teams.

The arena, named for American University alums John and Sondra Bender, is also the primary campus venue for concerts, commencement and speakers, seating up to 6,000.

The arena's main court is named for the late former American University athletic director and coach Stafford H. "Pop" Cassell, another AU alum. Bender Arena's current main scoreboard, installed prior to the 2001-02 season, includes a 7-by-9-foot animation and video display and advertising signage for corporate sponsors. At the same time new chairback seating for the west bleachers was installed and new back-lit scorers tables surrounding the playing surface were added.

Bender Arena is the flagship facility of the American University Sports Center, which also includes:

• The state-of-the-art William I Jacobs Fitness Center named after the noted executive and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees
• The 25-yard, eight-lane pool and facilities of Reeves Aquatic Center
• A six-store mini-mall
• AU's Campus Store
• A 470-car, seven-level parking structure

The 300,000 square foot building is adjacent to the Mary Graydon Center, a design intended to increase campus interaction. AU students are able to go to class, have dinner, attend a game or concert and stop by the Tavern or The Eagles Nest convenience store for refreshments without ever leaving the confines of the building. In addition, the facility houses the athletics department and health and fitness offices. Both buildings virtually mark the geographic center of the American University campus.

Bender hosted the 2002 and 2008 Patriot League men's basketball tournament final.

[edit] External links

• Bender Arena

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