The Stephen C. O'Connell Center is the game-day home of Gator Basketball.
Built at a cost of $14 million, the O'Connell Center - named for former UF President Stephen C. O'Connell (1967-73) - is the showplace for college basketball in the state of Florida.
The multipurpose sports center features a main arena, which underwent improvements during the summer of 2011 and is capable of seating 11,373 spectators and fans, covering more than 3.6 acres and containing 292,000 square feet.
The structure housed the Gator Basketball offices prior to the opening of the UF Basketball Complex in October of 2001.
The Gators' home court has a championship-feel to it -- literally! During the 2006 national championship celebration for the men's team, the UAA administration unveiled the 2006 Final Four floor, which it purchased so that both teams could play on for the 2006-07 season once it was refinished and Gatorized. Four 12' x 16' videoboards (10 mm resolution) were installed for the 2006-07 season at a cost of $2.5 million.
The O'Connell Center had a $10 million facelift in the summer of 1998 to replace the teflon coated roof with a permanent structure. The project also upgraded the sound and lighting system to give the Gators a state-of-the-art capability for pre-game and in-game activities. Another $2.5 million project upgraded concessions, restrooms and entrance ways in the summer of 1999, while a pair of Daktronics Scoreboards were installed in the fall of 1999.
A record-sellout crowd of 12,222 fans packed the O'Connell Center on Feb. 11, 2001 to watch the Gators battle Tennessee. It remains the largest crowd ever to watch a regular-season women's basketball game on any level - college, pro or international - inside the state of Florida.
Home Court Advantage
All-Time Florida Home Record: 389-180
Florida Gym Record: 30-21
Stephen C. O'Connell Center Record: 364-170
*First Game Played in O'Connell Center: Jan. 3, 1981
