| Convocation Center | |
|---|---|
| The Convo | |
| Location | Ypsilanti, Michigan |
| Opened | 1998 |
| Owner | Eastern Michigan University |
| Construction cost | $ 29.6 million |
| Architect | Rossetti Architects |
| Capacity | 8,824 |
| Tenants | |
| Eastern Michigan Eagles | |
The Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center is a multi-purpose arena, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The facility is owned by Eastern Michigan University. The event has hosted concerts, graduation ceremonies and athletic events. The facility was built in 1997.
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Construction began in the spring of 1997 and culminated with its grand opening, December 9, 1998, with a men's basketball game against the University of Michigan in front of a crowd of 7,647.[1] Since its opening, it has served as home court for the Eagles' men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams. The EMU wrestling team has held several dual meets on the arena floor.[1] It has also served as the site for two Mid-American Conference Championships. EMU hosted the 2000 MAC Gymnastics Championship and the 2002 MAC Wrestling Championship. It has been the host site for four first-round MAC Women's Basketball Tournament games, three first-round MAC Volleyball Tournament games and one first-round game for the men's basketball squad.
Along with their commitment to EMU Athletics, it has hosted concerts. It is also the site for EMU's spring and winter commencement ceremonies. Other events have included youth sporting competitions, high school commencements, trade shows, job fairs, conventions, charity and community awareness events and a circus.[1]
The 204,316-square-foot (18,981.6 m2) facility features three levels (arena, concourse, and office) and three seating configurations to maximize crowd capacity and space usage. The largest seating capacity is for center-stage entertainment activities, with 9,500 seats available. The capacity for basketball games is approximately 8,800.[1]
EMU's athletic administration is located on the office level, along with offices for the EMU football, men's and women's basketball and volleyball coaching staffs. The EMU Sports Information Office, as well as offices for the staff, are located on the office level.
The main athletic training room and office space for EMU's sports medicine staff is located on the arena level as are strength and conditioning facilities and equipment rooms.
Due to the unavailability of The Palace of Auburn Hills, Game 3 of the 2008 WNBA Finals, featuring the Detroit Shock and San Antonio Silver Stars was moved here. The Shock won game 3 and the WNBA Championship here. The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN. Two of the Shock's Eastern Conference Finals games were also played at EMU.
The facility has hosted performers such as Jay Z,[2] Deadmau5,[3] Kid Cudi,[4] Jason Mraz,[4] and Dave Chappelle.[5]
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