PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Robert Morris University introduced its new multipurpose events facility Friday, the UPMC Events Center.
The 4,000 seat Peoples Court arena inside of the venue will host men’s and women’s basketball, as well as women’s volleyball.
“The UPMC Events Center will be a game changer to the entire Pittsburgh region,” said RMU president Christopher B. Howard.
The facility includes 11,000 square foot conference center, as well.
“Being here since 2003, I’ve seen so much change in this University,” added women’s basketball coach Charlie Buscaglia. “And this arena, this events center, coming onto our like this and seeing it, it’s a big statement to where this University has gone and where it’s going.”
The state-of-the-art complex will provide an immediate boost to recruiting, according to Toole.
“It’s enormous,” he said. “We’ve sent (recruits) pictures of the arena, but to have the real thing and to be able to walk guys through that, it really shows the commitment we have to basketball. Players want to be in a facility like that.”
The Colonials spent last year playing in the school’s recreation center, so the upgrade is a welcomed change to current players, as well.
“They can’t wait to be in there and utilize all the resources,” Toole said. “It’s indescribable. I can’t wait to play a game in there and see what it’s like with a game day atmosphere.”
The men’s basketball schedule will open with a marquee game, as crosstown rival Pitt will help open Peoples Court on November 12.
“The thing that’s amazing is, Pitt’s really asked for nothing in return,” Toole said. “They’re doing an incredibly neighborly thing, and a generous thing, to allow us to host them in our new building to unveil it and give it the proper opening it deserves. We’re incredibly thankful to them.”