Charles E. Smith Center

The Charles E. Smith Center is a 5,000-seat multipurpose arena in the United States' capital, Washington, D.C. Opened on November 17, 1975,[1] it is home to the George Washington University Colonials men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the university's swimming, water polo, gymnastics, and volleyball teams. From 2014 to 2018, it was the home of the Washington Kastles of World TeamTennis. Smith Center also became the temporary home of the Washington Mystics as they made a run at a WNBA Championship in 2018. Smith Center is located on the main George Washington campus in Foggy Bottom, on the block bounded by 22nd and 23rd and F and G Streets NW. The arena also has hosted concerts and includes practice courts, a swimming pool, a weight room, and athletic department offices.

Charles E. Smith Center
The Smith Center in January 2016
Location600 22nd Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20052 U.S.
Coordinates38.897755°N 77.049329°W / 38.897755; -77.049329
OwnerGeorge Washington University
OperatorGeorge Washington University
Capacity5,000
SurfaceHardwood
Construction
OpenedNovember 17, 1975[1]
Construction cost$5 million
($23.8 million in 2019 dollars[2])
Tenants
George Washington Colonials
(Basketball, volleyball & gymnastics)
Washington Kastles (WTT) (2014–2018)
Washington Mystics (WNBA) (2018 Playoffs)

The building was named for Charles E. Smith, who was a university trustee and Chairman of the Committee on University Development.

A $43 million update and expansion of the Smith Center began in February 2008, due in part to a $10 million gift from the family of Charles E. Smith.[3] Renovations were finished before the start of the 2010-2011 Basketball season. Improvements include:

  • New team locker rooms
  • A new seating chart for students and Athletic Director's Club members
  • The Colonial's Club
  • New scoreboards
  • A new exterior design
  • A new entranceway
  • A new ticket booth

On September 11, 2018, the Smith Center's Jumbotron collapsed onto the court below while undergoing maintenance. No one was injured in the incident, possibly due to the Jumbotron's already-lowered position before the fall.[4]

Events
  • PFL 3, a mixed martial arts event was held at the arena on July 5, 2018.

See also

References
  1. "2009-10 GW Basketball Media Guide". The George Washington University. 2009. p. 102. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  2. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  3. "Colonial Cable April 2008". Archived from the original on 2011-05-22. Retrieved 2010-02-17.
  4. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Jumbotron-Crashes-Onto-Basketball-Court-at-George-Washington-University-492989531.html


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