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| The A.J. Palumbo Center |
| Location |
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA 15282 |
| Broke ground |
September 3, 1986 |
| Opened |
November 11, 1988 |
| Owner |
Duquesne University |
| Operator |
Duquesne University |
| Tenants |
Duquesne Dukes
(basketball, wrestling & volleyball) |
| Capacity |
5,358 |
A. J. Palumbo Center is a 5,358-seat multi-purpose arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The arena opened in 1988, and is part of Duquesne University. It is home to the Duquesne Dukes basketball, volleyball and wrestling programs. The center hosts concerts, boxing, and other special events, and is capable of converting the seating arrangement into a sport, stage, or theatre setup.[1] The facility was named in honor of its benefactor, Antonio J. Palumbo, who was elected to the Duquesne University board of directors and, in 1987, received an honorary doctorate of Business and Administration from Duquesne. Performance Magazine, a concert trade magazine, has consistently ranked the Palumbo Center as one of the top 10 grossing arenas of its size since its opening in 1988.[2]
[edit] Facilities
In 2006, the Palumbo Center underwent major renovations. In addition to resurfacing the basketball court, upgrading video monitors, and replacing some seating sections, the facility was updated and renovated to include:
- New men’s and women’s basketball staff offices
- Recruiting suite
- Video breakdown room
- Strength and conditioning facilities
- Athletic trainer facilities
The center houses the administrative offices for the athletic department and facility management. The center is also open to intramural sports and other recreation groups, however, in 2007, Duquesne University completed a new five story recreational facility on Forbes Ave near the A.J. Pablumbo Center, which has now become the primary facility for recreational sports and activities.
[edit] Sports
Prior to the building of the facility, the men's basketball team played games at various sites around the city, including Pittsburgh Civic Arena (their exclusive home from 1964 to 1988, and still used for occasional big games), Fitzgerald Field House, and Duquesne Gardens, as well as several high school gymnasiums. The first men’s basketball game was played in the arena on December 3, 1988, in which Duquesne defeated St. Joseph’s 73-69. As of January 2008, Duquesne men’s basketball had 132-125 (.514) all-time record at the Palumbo Center. [3]The facility is used for most major sports at Duquesne, and has played host to NIT games, highschool post season championships, national wrestling championships, and Atlantic 10 tournament competitions.
[edit] External links
