University Center

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The University Center is a large multi-purpose facility on the campus of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The majority of Mercer students affectionately call it "the UC."^{[citation needed]}

The University Center opened in 2004. The $40 million 230,000 square foot center houses Mercer's athletics department, a 3500-seat basketball arena, an indoor pool, work-out facilities, intramural basketball courts, an air rifle range, offices, a food court, and numerous meeting facilities. Mercer's baseball, softball, and intramural fields are located adjacent to the center along with Mercer's tennis complex. The basketball arena replaced Porter Gym, which stood on the Mercer campus from 1937 to 2004. The center is located in the heart of Mercer's campus on the site of the university's original fraternity row, which was demolished when a new Greek Village opened.

Mercer, with teams known as Bears, is a member of NCAA Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference. The university's basketball teams play home games in the arena. Mercer's men's basketball team won the first game played at the center, a 73-55 victory over Georgia State University, on January 27, 2004. The women's basketball team won the first game it played in the center, a 43-40 victory over Troy State University, on January 30, 2004.

Aside from athletics events, the University Center hosts commencement exercises, concerts, and other special events. Mercer's Griffin Bell trustee's board room and a president's dining room are also in the center.

In 2007, a 101-room Hilton Garden Inn opened on university-owned land adjacent to the center.