Unveiled in November 2022, this new multi-purpose, on-campus arena serves as home for a university’s basketball and volleyball teams, as well as concerts, commencements, and other larger on-campus events.

Located in Fairfield, Connecticut and at the heart of campus, the Leo D. Mahoney Arena seats 3,500 spectators and provides a hub of activity for students and the local community. Three sides of exterior glass provide exciting views into events and out towards the campus.

The arena’s lower bowl seats 2,400 while the upper seats 1,100. The audience is brought closer to the action with two decks of tiered seating, providing more intimacy for staged events, and a din of excitement for sports games.

The curved roof is a nod to the arena’s 1959 predecessor. Natural light modeling was used to detail its glass and eaves to maximize natural light while eliminating direct sun on the court surface.

Structural details, graphics, and ornament throughout celebrate the University’s branding.

Design: Centerbrook Architects and Planners
Design Team: Aaron Emma, Andrew Wait, Dan Batt, Elizabeth Hedde, Ghalia Ajouz, James Regnier, Jay Klebeck, Jim Childress, Jon Lavy, Katherine Watts, Kenneth Cleveland, Minnu Srinivasan, Misha Semenov-Leiva
Contractor: Gilbane Building Company
Photography: Jeff Goldberg/Esto