It's official! Construction of Fairfield University’s new Arena and Convocation Center (ACC), which will replace the institution's long-standing landmark Alumni Hall, began with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 28, 2021. The ceremony included remarks from President Mark. R. Nemec, PhD, Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, Vice President of University Advancement Wally Halas, Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann, student-athletes Taj Benning ’21 and Tyler Heffern ‘22, and a blessing from incoming Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J.

The ACC groundbreaking is a significant milestone as the University continues its rise as a model of the modern, Jesuit Catholic university. “Our rise has been predicated on a commitment to our core values and this building is no different,” Dr. Nemec said during his speech. “For while new, this building will carry forward our commitment of campagna — companionship, our commitment to cura personalis — the whole person, and finally the fact that we do all of this with magis — excellence in all things.”

The new venue will be an approximately 85,000-square foot, 3,500-seat multi-use space for basketball and volleyball games, University events, and concerts. This project is 100 percent donor-funded and is estimated to cost $45 million. “We are incredibly glad to explore the full potential of this new facility,” shared Tyler Heffern. “[We] hope to expand our shared use of its space through a whole host of student-oriented events, in the spirit of our Jesuit tradition — serving the life of the mind, body, and spirit of our students and community.”

Construction of the ACC is currently scheduled for completion in the fall of 2022. For more information, visit fairfieldstags.com/arena. View the entire Groundbreaking Ceremony and a live feed of ACC construction at the links below.