Let’s see here. What else didn’t I cover last night? After exploring the Arena, there was a sort of formal program that involved speeches made by Dirk Katstra, Craig Littlepage, Barry Parkhill, and Leonard Sandridge. The Arena has really surpassed all expectations as far as fundraising goes. As the single largest privately-funded Arena (at $118 million compared to the previous record of $58 million held by NC State), they had some big bucks rolling in - they expected just a handfull of $1M+ donations, but received 13. They also exceeded expectations in each category down to the $10K+ level: 112 donors of $100K - $1M; 123 donors of $50K - $100K, 254 donors of $25K - $50K, and 321 donors of $10K - $25K.
After the formal program, we were allowed on the court for a champagne toast to celebrate the opening of the new arena and indeed, a new era of Virginia Basketball. I found it appropriate that the first event held at the JPJ involved copious amounts of alcohol on the court. Surely indicative of the good times to come.

I was able to speak with Littlepage a little bit after the program. I remain hopeful and enthusiastic about our basketball program over the next two years and will bet money that we will be making the 2nd Round of the Tournament within the next 2 years. Littlepage told me he sensed the excitement coming from me and could see that I could barely contain myself about the new Arena. Huh. All night long I had been trying to look like I belong haha - I tried to hold it in and smile, but not be giddy and jump up and down. Apparently it didn’t work.

Alright, I thought I had more to say, but as 4:00 AM rolls around I’m finding myself at a loss of words.

I had taken the tour in June of last summer (2005) when the Arena was just beginning to take form. Then, on a tour led by Dirk Katstra and Barry Parkhill, I found myself become extremely excited about the place. But it had left me with many questions as to whether it would be completed in time, whether it would look as good as it sounded, and whether fans and alumni would be willing to throw enough financial support behind the project to make it work. After Thursday’s first class event, it appears as though my questions have been answered. The arena is glorious.

If you have any questions about the arena, leave a comment and I’d be happy to answer it in my next post!