VILLANOVA, Pa. – On the eve of its basketball season openers this week, Villanova has announced a new initiative as part of the re-opening of the Finneran Pavilion. Beginning with tonight's game vs. Morgan State and continuing through every men's and women's basketball game in 2018-19, Villanova will introduce its own Lone Chair program.
 
The Lone Chair is a single, black chair with POW/MIA logo that is flanked by the American flag and the POW/MIA flag. Chairs of Honor are currently in stadiums and arenas in more than 100 cities throughout the country. The Lone Chair remains empty as a tribute to the service of those who lost their lives, became Prisoners of War or are Missing in Action.
 
As part of the Lone Chair program, the capacity of the Finneran Pavilion will now officially be listed at 6,501, one seat more than the capacity of the original Pavilion (1986-2017). In addition, the Lone Chair will be in place for Villanova's home men's basketball games at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
 
"As we went through the redesign of the Finneran Pavilion, we were eager to in some way acknowledge the men and women of the armed services who protect our freedom," stated Villanova Director of Athletics Mark Jackson. "This program, which recognizes those who have lost their lives, became prisoners of war, or are missing in action, felt right to us. We are honored to be a part of this."

Villanova University has one of the strongest Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) programs in the nation and is second only to the US Naval Academy in number of flag officers graduated. It is also has a rich history of service with its Army ROTC program.

The Villanova men open the regular season Tuesday night against Morgan State (7 p.m./ FS1 and 610 ESPN). One night later, the Villanova women will be at the Finneran Pavilion to take on Hartford at 7 p.m.