VILLANOVA, Pa. – Opening night at the re-dedicated Finneran Pavilion comes this Friday, as Villanova kicks off its Men's and Women's basketball seasons at "Hoops Mania 2018".
"Hoops Mania" is the annual basketball preseason party that returns to the Finneran Pavilion after a one-year stint in Villanova Stadium during renovation. This year's event features the introduction of both teams to the Nova Nation and will include the unveiling of the 2018 Men's NCAA National Championship banner along with the presentation of the team's championship rings. There will also be an open scrimmage by the men's team along with 3-point shooting and dunk contests.
This student-focused event gets underway at 7 p.m. A special opening night ceremony will be held at the arena's new entrance, via McMahon Way, at 5:45 p.m.
Villanova Athletics partnered with EwingCole, an award-winning architecture and engineering firm based in Philadelphia, to transform the Pavilion from a multi-purpose and recreational facility into a world-class basketball-centric arena. The renovation celebrates the uniqueness of the original arena – which opened on Feb. 1, 1986 – while creating an unmatched Division I basketball experience for Villanova student-athletes and fans.
The upgrades include McMahon Way, an outdoor plaza for pre-game and post-game activities; a relocated main entrance that will serve as a gathering place for fans; a Hall of Fame, with graphics and memorabilia celebrating the rich history of Villanova Athletics; a 360-degree concourse hosting a variety of concessions, merchandise stands and other fan amenities.
The Finneran Pavilion is a $65 million, fully donor funded renovation, which was led by 20 leadership gifts of $1 million or more and 130 major gifts of $100,000 or more. The lead gift was presented by William "Bill" Finneran, a 1963 Villanova School of Business graduate with a degree in Economics.
Finneran and his children—Tom '90, Diane '93, Suzie '04 and Karen—remain deeply involved with the University. He served as a Trustee for 10 years and as vice chair for "Transforming Minds and Hearts: The Campaign for Villanova," which concluded in 2007. He is a member of the University's prestigious Carr and Heritage Societies, which acknowledge lasting impact of the University's most generous and dedicated donors.
Finneran is a visionary and passionate supporter of Villanova Men's Basketball who believes that the program is an excellent representation of the University and its Augustinian Catholic mission and values. He has endowed the Men's Basketball Head Coaching position and has provided continuing support for players and the program for decades.
The Villanova men's team opens the 2018-19 regular season at the Finneran Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 6 vs. Morgan State. The Villanova women's squad will host its first regular season game in the Finneran Pavilion the following night against Hartford. Both contests tip off at 7 p.m.
