University Center (Mercer University)

The University Center is a large multi-purpose facility on the campus of Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

History

The University Center opened in 2004. The $40 million 230,000-square-foot (21,000 m²) center houses Mercer's athletics department, a 3,500-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. In 2007, a 101-room Hilton Garden Inn opened on university-owned land adjacent to the University Center.

Athletics

Mercer is an NCAA Division I member competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference; the university's basketball teams play in the University Center. The men's team won the first game played at the center, a 73-55 victory over Georgia State University, on January 27, 2004. The women's team won the first game it played in the center, a 43-40 victory over Troy State University, on January 30, 2004.

In 2010, for the first time in university history, Mercer hosted the men's and women's Atlantic Sun Conference basketball tournaments.^[5] The men's team advanced to the championship game losing 72-66 to East Tennessee State University.^[6] Mercer will host the 2011, 2012, and 2013 tournaments as well.^[7]

Other uses

Aside from athletics events, the University Center hosts commencement, university press conferences, concerts, and other special events. The board of trustees meeting room, named for Mercer alumnus Griffin Bell, and the president's dining room are also in the center.

References

External links

• Official Website of the University Center