UM Convocation Center Prepares National Debut
May 5, 2003
On January 4, 2003, a nationally televised men’s basketball game — Hurricanes against No. 23 North Carolina — is scheduled to inaugurate the University of Miami’s new, $48 million, on-campus Convocation Center. On January 15, the women’s team meets Boston College for their first match in the new showcase, which was fully funded by private donations.
Destined to become the envy of athletic departments across the nation; the UM Convocation Center is much more than a world-class, 7,000-seat basketball arena. The only mid-size venue south of downtown Miami, the Center is an important cultural resource for the growing South Florida population that continues to spread to the south and west.
The high-tech, multipurpose facility is said to equal Miami’s celebrated American Airlines Arena in technical prowess, including sound, rigging, wiring and lighting. Any event that doesn’t require ice could be held here.
UM President Donna Shalala said she expects the Convocation Center to bring exciting events and a new energy to campus, while enhancing the cultural and entertainment experiences of Miami-Dade County’s 2 million residents. Crediting her predecessor Edward T. Foote for getting it off to a good start, Shalala congratulated Athletic Director Paul Dee on the “new house,” saying, “We built it with commitment, teamwork and passion”
The new home of Hurricane men’s and women’s basketball has arena seating for 7,000 plus 25 luxury suites, a 4,500 sq. ft. banquet facility, first-class kitchen, various administrative offices, buff locker rooms, and a myriad of other functional, special-purpose spaces. The women’s and men’s teams have identical locker rooms, offices and other facilities.
The site for future UM commencement exercises and student activities, the Convocation Center will also host a variety of community events, from family shows to trade shows, prominent speakers, concerts, and other entertainment.
Almost 8,000 can be seated for concerts, even with elaborate stage set-ups. Commencement exercises and lectures can accommodate up to 8,200 in comfort. “It’s wonderful for intercollegiate athletics … and for concerts and commencements,” Shalala said. “We’ve had our last commencement in a tent.”
The first non-sports event is a “Coldplay” concert on Wednesday, January 22 at 8 p.m. (For ticket information call TicketMaster at 305.358.5885 [The British rock group now has roots in Miami and recently enjoyed a successful run in New York. Their current CD contains the hit tune “Yellow.”]
