University of Richmond Athletics
New Robins Center Grand Opening Set For Saturday
01/15/2014 | Men's Basketball
The official Grand Opening of the New Robins Center – A Classic Remade – will be celebrated this Saturday, Jan. 18 when the Spider men's basketball team hosts Dayton in a nationally-televised game at 3 p.m brought to you by n'Telos Wireless.
Finishing touches are being completed to the $17 million renovation project, which began at the conclusion of the 2013 basketball season, and has included new, state-of-the-art LED lighting, four 15 x 32-foot video boards, a freshly-painted midnight blue ceiling, refurbished seats, and seating closer to the court.
Saturday's game will mark the debut of four hospitality areas accessed by two new elevators, along with ring-level seating that brings the Robins Center capacity to 7,201.
A halftime video will chronicle the history of the 42-year-old Robins Center, as well as paying tribute to the key individuals, contractors, architects and support personnel who were instrumental in the renovations project.
Fans will enjoy a special day full of activities in the New Robins Center. National recording artist Susan Greenbaum will sing the national anthem prior to tip-off. Cedar Creek Band, a country group, will play throughout the afternoon and the second finalist in the Richmond's Got Talent, Aung du Lamai, will perform at halftime.
The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a free Richmond Spiders fleece headband. Fans can take advantage of the popular Papa Saturday package – ticket and fresh Papa John's pizza for just $9. There will also be special recognition of Richmond area students for their achievement in the classroom through the Spider Scholastic Stars program.
Saturday marks the first Atlantic 10 conference home game for the Spiders and it will be televised nationally by ESPNU. Ticket information is available online at RichmondSpiders.com, by calling 1-877-SPIDER-1 or by stopping by the Robins Center Ticket Office.
