Fitzgerald Field House

Fitzgerald Field House is a multipurpose athletic facility located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The field house is named after John Fitzgerald, a former University of Pittsburgh athletic director, and has been the site of various athletic events, including NCAA competitions and Atlantic Coast Conference matches. It has also hosted events featuring notable figures such as Muhammad Ali and Bill Cosby. The facility is situated near other prominent University of Pittsburgh buildings, including the Cathedral of Learning and Hillman Library.

History

The construction of the field house was made possible through the efforts of University of Pittsburgh administrators, including Chancellor John G. Bowman and Athletic Director James H. Coleman. The facility was designed by architects Alden & Harlow and built by the George A. Fuller Company, with construction beginning in 1950 and completing in 1951. The field house was officially dedicated on December 1, 1951, with a ceremony attended by University of Pittsburgh officials, including Chancellor Rufus Fitzgerald, and local dignitaries such as Pittsburgh Mayor David L. Lawrence. The facility has since undergone several renovations, including upgrades to the University of Pittsburgh's Track and Field and Volleyball programs, which have competed against teams from University of Notre Dame, University of Louisville, and Syracuse University.

Facilities and features

The field house features a main arena with a seating capacity of 4,122, as well as additional facilities, including a weight room, training room, and locker rooms. The facility is equipped with a Mondo track surface and a Taraflex volleyball court, which have been used for competitions against teams from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and University of Virginia. The field house also includes a concourse area with concession stands and a ticket office, as well as offices for University of Pittsburgh athletic staff, including the Athletic Director and Sports Information Director. The facility is located near other University of Pittsburgh athletic venues, including Heinz Field and Petersen Events Center, which have hosted events featuring teams from Penn State University, West Virginia University, and University of Cincinnati.

Notable events

The field house has hosted numerous notable events, including NCAA Track and Field championships, Atlantic Coast Conference Volleyball tournaments, and concerts featuring performers such as The Rolling Stones and Elton John. The facility has also been the site of speeches by notable figures, including Robert F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey, as well as University of Pittsburgh commencement ceremonies, which have featured speakers such as Bill Clinton and Al Gore. The field house has also hosted events featuring teams from University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Michigan, as well as competitions against teams from Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference.

Renovations and upgrades

The field house has undergone several renovations and upgrades since its construction, including a major renovation in 2000, which added new locker rooms and a weight room. The facility has also undergone upgrades to its seating and sound system, as well as the installation of a new Mondo track surface and Taraflex volleyball court. The renovations were made possible through the efforts of University of Pittsburgh administrators, including Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and Athletic Director Steve Pederson, as well as funding from sources such as the NCAA and Atlantic Coast Conference. The facility has also received support from local organizations, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as donations from University of Pittsburgh alumni, including Dan Marino and Tony Dorsett.

Athletics and usage

The field house is home to the University of Pittsburgh's Track and Field and Volleyball programs, which compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The facility is also used for various other athletic events, including intramural sports and recreational activities, such as basketball and indoor soccer. The field house is also available for use by University of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and staff, as well as local community groups, including the Pittsburgh Public Schools and YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. The facility has hosted events featuring teams from University of Florida, University of Texas at Austin, and Ohio State University, as well as competitions against teams from Big 12 Conference and Pac-12 Conference. The field house is an important part of the University of Pittsburgh's athletic program, which also includes teams that compete at Heinz Field and Petersen Events Center, and has been supported by notable University of Pittsburgh alumni, including Joe Schmidt and Larry Fitzgerald. Category:University of Pittsburgh