By Maegan Green<\/p>\n
The new athletic facility recently opened its doors to the Hood community.\u00a0 A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, Nov. 4 at BB&T Arena, which will serve as the new home of Blazer basketball and volleyball.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very excited for Hood students,\u201d said President Ronald Volpe.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s about time they had a home of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new home of the Blazers cost nearly $10 million to construct.\u00a0 The equipment in the fitness center will only be available to Hood students and faculty.\u00a0 Until further notice, BB&T Arena will only be available to student athletes.<\/p>\n
The new facility will also serve as a multi-purpose facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will have concerts, commencements, opening convocation, and guest speakers,\u201d said Volpe.\u00a0 \u201cIt will also serve as a safe haven for students in emergency situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
BB&T Arena can seat up to 2,200 people.\u00a0 The athletic center also houses the two-level Hodson Fitness Center, the Shimano Training Room, offices for the coaching staff, changing rooms, and much more.<\/p>\n
The opening day celebration consisted of performances by the Blazer cheerleaders, speeches from various members of the Hood community, and a time capsule presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am excited about the new facility,\u201d said Gib Romaine, director of athletics.\u00a0 \u201cIt will add a lot of pride to the campus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to the opening of the new athletic center, basketball games were played off-campus at Fort Detrick.\u00a0 Volleyball games were played in Gambrill Gymnasium, but the insufficient seating did not provide a lot of opportunities for students to show support at the home games.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opening of the new gym means a lot to me as a cheerleader,\u201d said sophomore Jessica Rumke. \u201cI am thankful that Fort Detrick allowed us to use their gym, but there is nothing like cheering for our team in a home of our own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plans to build a new gym had been in the making since the 1970s.\u00a0 A planning committee whose members included several members of the Hood community came together and helped make the long-anticipated vision into a reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe athletic center opened on schedule and under budget,\u201d said Volpe.\u00a0 \u201cHundreds of Hood alumni, foundations, friends, parents, faculty, the Board of Trustees and the Board of Associates made all of this possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
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