Bob Carpenter Center
Bob Carpenter Center is a 5,100-seat multi-purpose arena, in Newark, Delaware, named in honor of benefactor and trustee, R. R. M. Carpenter Jr.. Students at the University of Delaware have nicknamed it "The Bob."
The arena opened in 1992 and was designed by HOK Sport, who have been involved in more than 150 sports and recreation projects. The construction of the building cost $20.5 million. In late 2010, the University constructed an addition, which includes two full-size basketball courts, new offices and locker rooms for the basketball and volleyball programs, and a new entrance plaza.
The arena section of the building is named in honor of Frank E. Acierno, a local businessman and developer, who donated $1 million to the Bob Carpenter Center, the largest gift from a single donor.
It is home to the University of Delaware Blue Hens basketball teams, and from 2013 to 2018, the Delaware 87ers of the NBA G League. It also hosted a preseason game for the Philadelphia 76ers vs. the Boston Celtics. Since 2014, it has hosted one annual WNBA preseason game, except in 2017. Each of the WNBA games has featured UD product Elena Delle Donne, who was with the Chicago Sky from 2013 to 2016 and has been with the Washington Mystics since 2017.
It hosted a campaign rally for Vice President Al Gore in 1996 and all or part of the 1997-2001 America East Conference men's basketball tournaments.
It also hosts other events, such as the WWE, music and comedy concerts, and craft fairs.
