FAIRFIELD — The men’s and women’s basketball teams christened the newly renovated William H. Pitt Athletics & Convocation Center with wins over Central Connecticut State University and Monmouth University, respectively, on Nov. 21.
The 2,000-seat multipurpose arena recently underwent a transformation into an ultra-modern college sports venue complete with an 80-foot long jumbotron, a pair of 12-foot video boards, and bright red and white branding. It also sports the Park Avenue Club for VIPs, food and beverage carts and seating that allows fans to feel and hear the action better than ever.
The redesign maximizes the building’s current footprint and allows for ample practice options for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference teams. The three-level, 141,000 square foot facility serves as the heart of SHU Division I athletics and is the competition home to men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling and fencing.
Opening night of the Pitt Center kicked off with SHU’s award-winning cheerleading team hyping up the crowd as Big Red welcomed students, staff, faculty and families to a fan fest. It offered games, free food, prizes and a chance to connect with local businesses and organizations. Fans then funneled into the arena for the first time to help kick off the doubleheader.
Judy Ann Riccio, SHU’s director of athletics, was thrilled to welcome fans.
“The buzz and excitement that you feel on a night like tonight is something worth cherishing. We’re excited to have this dynamic space in this community for years to come,” she said.
President John Petillo echoed Riccio, saying, “Between this vibrant new arena and the Martire Family Arena down the road, we should all be excited about the future of SHU athletics.”
The Martire arena is a new $70 million venue that hosts the school’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams as well as community events. It opened in January 2023.
During the women’s game, Amelia Wood and Ny’Ceara Pryor led all players with 19 points. Wood sank five 3-pointers, tying a career-high, on her way to a season-best scoring effort, while Pryor hit six buckets from midrange and layups, with 7 points from the line. Dianne Crespo López also finished with a season-high, scoring 11. Pulling away late, the first game in the new arena ended with a Pioneers win over Monmouth 63-56.
The Pioneers men’s team flourished in the new environment. Tanner Thomas hit the Pioneers’ second three-pointer early on to spark a 16-2 run, capped by a trio of free throws for Anquan Hill, as Sacred Heart took a 19-5 lead. The Pios never looked back, finishing off their in-state rival CCSU 67-54.
The newly renovated Pitt Center is the core of SHU Division I athletics and is the competition home to multiple sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The upgraded layout features permanent bleacher-style and backed arena-style seating, bringing fans closer to the action and creating a true home-court advantage.
The Pitt Center will continue to host on-campus events for students and community members alike.
