FAIRFIELD, Conn.—The Sacred Heart University men’s and women’s basketball teams opened its newly renovated William H. Pitt Athletics & Convocation Center in style with wins over Central Connecticut State University and Monmouth University respectively on November 21.
The 2,000-seat multipurpose arena in the heart of campus recently underwent a robust transformation. It looks like a shiny, new, ultra-modern college sports venue. An 80-foot long jumbotron, a pair of 12-foot video boards, bright red and white branding, the Park Avenue Club for VIPs, food and beverage carts and seating that allows fans to feel and hear the action better than ever. The redesign maximizes the building’s current footprint and allows for ample practice options, creating a top-tier experience for SHU’s talented student-athletes as they transition into the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Opening night of the Pitt Center was a wonderful celebration of SHU Athletics and a shining example of the University’s rapid growth and aspirations of excellence. The venue was abuzz with excitement. Prior to tip-off, SHU’s award-winning cheerleading team hyped up the crowd as Big Red welcomed students, staff, faculty and families to a unique fan fest, located in the auxiliary gym next door.
The fan fest, hosted by SHU Athletics, offered games, free food, prizes and a chance to connect with local businesses and organizations. Fans then funneled into the arena for the first time to help kick off the doubleheader.
Just before tip, the University welcomed the women’s team and a few key staff members to cut the ribbon and officially open the arena.
Judy Ann Riccio, SHU’s director of athletics, was thrilled to welcome fans.
“The buzz and excitement that you feel on a night like tonight is something worth cherishing. We’re excited to have this dynamic space in this community for years to come,” she said.
President John Petillo echoed Riccio, saying, “Between this vibrant new arena and the Martire Family Arena down the road, we should all be excited about the future of SHU athletics.”
During the women’s game, Amelia Wood and Ny'Ceara Pryor led all players with 19 points, but the duo found success in very different ways. Wood sank five 3-pointers, tying a career-high, on her way to a season-best scoring effort, while Pryor hit six buckets from midrange and layups, with seven points from the line. Dianne Crespo López also finished with a season-high, scoring 11. Pulling away late, the first game in the new arena ended with a Pioneers win 63 to 56.
The newly renovated Pitt Center is the core of SHU Division I athletics and is the competition home to multiple sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The upgraded layout features permanent bleacher-style and backed arena-style seating, bringing fans closer to the action and creating a true home-court advantage.
The Pitt Center will continue to host on-campus events for students and community members alike.
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu