The Fairfield Community launched a final “Last Call at Alumni Hall” farewell reception on Saturday, March 7, in Alumni Hall. The campaign was developed to engage the Fairfield University fan base during the final days of Alumni Hall before its demolition.
As one of the longest standing buildings on the Fairfield campus, Alumni Hall is a place that holds many valuable memories in the history of Stags athletics. Remarks were given by Fairfield University President, Mark R. Nemec, PhD, and by Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., University Chaplain and special assistant to the President, who led a special prayer.
The event allowed guests the opportunity to spend time in the building and share stories about their own experiences in Alumni Hall. Attendees were encouraged to show their Stag spirit by wearing red or Fairfield gear to the event.
Opening on Dec. 5, 1959, Alumni Hall has been a vital part of the identity here at Fairfield University. Alumni is home to the University’s MAAC Champion men’s and women’s basketball teams, who have won the championship three times each, and the 11-time MAAC winning volleyball team.
In place of Alumni Hall, Fairfield University plans to build an 85,000-square foot, 3,500-seat Convocation Center, which was originally projected to open in 2021. The arena will host the Division I basketball and volleyball programs, Fairfield College Preparatory School basketball, and will host convocations, concerts and gatherings for the University.
Deputy Director of Athletics Zach Dayton said, “The arena and Convocation Center will be a state-of-the-art venue that will serve as the home of the Fairfield University men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams, academic gatherings, concerts and Fairfield Prep events. Athletics has been working collaboratively with University leadership on all aspects of the project throughout every stage of planning.”
Due to COVID-19, construction was delayed until early spring of 2021. The construction timeline for the Convocation Center is 18-24 months, therefore the first athletic game to be played in is still to be determined.
A historic building on campus, Alumni Hall was sent off with love and appreciation from the Stags community. Although the New Arena and Convocation Center is very exciting, the town of Fairfield will never forget the importance of George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall.
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