Construction Of $45 Million Fairfield University Arena Underway

FAIRFIELD, CT — Bursting with pride and ever-growing visions for their collective future, officials from Fairfield University held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning to celebrate the start of construction on the new arena and convocation center.

The 85,000-square-foot, 3,500-seat center will take about one year to complete, taking the place of the former Alumni Hall, which stood on the same site for more than 60 years.

The new facility will be home to the school’s Division I basketball and volleyball programs, as well as academic, social and concert events. It will also be used by Fairfield Prep.

Part of the university’s master plan for modernization, the arena will include a state-of-the-art broadcast and media center, luxury seating and lounge areas, and more.

“We are an institution that is on the rise,” President Mark Nemec said.

Thus, he said, the new center will rise as a symbol of the school's progress and expanding footprint.

Around 40 officials, staff and students attended the luncheon ceremony, which took place under a small tent with a view of the large construction site at the foot of the main entrance into the university.

Special note was made of the alumni donors — as well as the university’s ability to fundraise during the pandemic — making it possible to embark on the $45 million project.

“Fairfield University is in as strong a position as it’s ever been,” said Wally Halas, vice president for university advancements, with endowments having reached record heights.

Halas said the creation of the new center adds to the draw of the university for new students, not only as a facility for the athletic department, but overall for the prestige of the campus.

“If you’re sitting in my chair … this is about as good as it gets,” Athletic Director Paul Schlickmann said.

He said it would be a “transformational” venue, which would not only house great events but would help attract, develop and retain students.

“Suffice it to say that many Stag loyalists have waited a long time for this day,” he said.

Schlickmann, too, noted the rise of the university's athletic department, with the school becoming — more and more — part of what he called the "national conversation."

“It is fitting that we witness today the development of a facility that is second to none,” he said.