
The Finneran Pavilion, home to the Villanova Men's and Women's Basketball Teams, was renovated in 2018 to improve the fan experience and incorporate modern technology. The $65 million project included new seating, concession stands, and audio-visual capabilities, as well as a reduction in the student section on the south end, with additional seating added to the north end. The Pavilion, originally opened in 1986, is a 6,501-seat multi-purpose arena in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and is known for its unique roof design. The renovation preserved the arena's history while modernising the facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Finneran Pavilion |
| Location | Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Year Built | 1985 |
| Reopened after Renovation | October 2018 |
| Renovation Cost | $65 million |
| Seating Capacity | 6,501 |
| Home Team | Villanova University Wildcats |
| Notable Features | Hyperbolic roof, new lobby, balcony "ring", 360-degree concourse, enhanced audio-visuals, new seating, Court One Club |
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What You'll Learn
- The Finneran Pavilion, home to Villanova's basketball teams, underwent a $65 million renovation in 2016
- The Pavilion was renamed the William B. Finneran Pavilion and reopened in October 2018
- The renovation included new seating, a lobby, a balcony, and enhanced audio-visual capabilities
- The Villanova Stadium, home to the Wildcats football team, was built in 1927 and has been updated
- The Finneran Pavilion is located adjacent to the Villanova Stadium on the Villanova campus

The Finneran Pavilion, home to Villanova's basketball teams, underwent a $65 million renovation in 2016
The Finneran Pavilion, home to Villanova University's basketball teams, underwent a $65 million renovation in 2016. The arena, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is about 10 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia. The Pavilion was originally opened in 1986 and has been the home of the Villanova Wildcats basketball teams since. The building was showing its age after nearly 30 years of use, and so the renovation was carried out to improve the aging facility and incorporate modern technology and conveniences.
The renovation included a new main entrance and lobby, with graphics and memorabilia celebrating the history of Villanova and its athletics program. The lobby also features a display of the program's championship trophies, including the 2016 and 2018 National Championship Trophies. The actual floor from the 2016 National Championship Game in Houston is also on display, along with pieces of the 2018 San Antonio floor. The renovation also included new seating, with a reduction in the student section on the south end and the addition of student seating to the baseline of the north end. The famous student section of the Pavilion, which constitutes a full third of the seating, has been modified to enhance the total fan experience.
The Finneran Pavilion is a 6,501-seat multi-purpose arena, recognizable from the outside for its unique hyperbolic paraboloid roofline. The renovation also included new concession stands, enhanced audio-visual capabilities, and a new 360-degree concourse for merchandise and concessions. The design team transformed the Pavilion from a multi-purpose field house to a basketball arena, utilizing areas within the structure for unique premium experiences. Three levels of club spaces were designed, blending the existing and new architecture.
The renovation was made possible by a $22.6 million donation from 1963 graduate William B. Finneran, along with 19 other gifts of $1 million or more. The project was completed in less than two years and the arena reopened in October 2018, with the first game played in the renovated Pavilion resulting in a 100-77 victory over Morgan State.
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The Pavilion was renamed the William B. Finneran Pavilion and reopened in October 2018
The Pavilion, home to the Villanova University Wildcats basketball teams, was renamed the William B. Finneran Pavilion and reopened in October 2018 after undergoing a $65 million renovation. The arena, originally opened in 1986, replaced the Villanova Field House, later renamed the Jake Nevin Field House, a small arena-auditorium built in 1932.
The renovation transformed the multi-purpose field house into a basketball arena, allowing the design team to utilise areas within the structure for unique premium experiences. The Finneran Pavilion features a new lobby and hall of fame, with graphics and memorabilia celebrating the values and history of Villanova and its athletics programme. Beyond the lobby, there is a balcony “ring” overlooking the open court, while above is a new, 360-degree concourse with merchandise and concessions. The unique hyperbolic roof form has been accentuated with over 400 linear LED light fixtures designed into the exposed roof structure. The arena also features four corner video boards, a centre-hung LED, fascia ribbon boards, and a state-of-the-art sound system, all of which elevate the fan experience.
The seating in the arena has also been modified, with the student section on the south end reduced and additional student seating added to the baseline of the north end. The total seating capacity of the William B. Finneran Pavilion is 6,501. The first game played in the renovated arena was a 100–77 victory over Morgan State.
The Finneran Pavilion is not just a basketball arena but also a celebration of Villanova's rich basketball history. The arena features an elaborate trophy case displaying various Big East and NCAA Regional plaques, as well as a dedicated spot for the 2016 and 2018 National Championship trophies. The actual floor from the 2016 National Championship in Houston, where Kris Jenkins' 3-pointer at the buzzer won the game, is also on display.
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The renovation included new seating, a lobby, a balcony, and enhanced audio-visual capabilities
The Finneran Pavilion, formerly known as The Pavilion, is the home of the Villanova Men's and Women's Basketball Teams. The arena, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, was built in 1985 and originally opened in 1986. In 2016, it was announced that the Pavilion would undergo a $65 million renovation to improve the aging facility and enhance the fan experience. The renovation included new seating, a lobby, a balcony, and enhanced audio-visual capabilities.
The new seating arrangements at the Finneran Pavilion involved reducing the size of the famed student section on the south end and adding additional student seating to the baseline of the north end. This change allowed for a more balanced distribution of students throughout the arena, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The total capacity of the arena is 6,501 seats, providing ample space for fans to cheer on the Villanova Wildcats.
Upon entering the pavilion, fans are greeted by a spacious lobby that showcases the history and values of Villanova and its athletics program. Graphics, memorabilia, and an elaborate trophy case celebrate the achievements of the university's basketball teams. The lobby leads to a balcony "ring" that overlooks the open court, providing a unique perspective of the action below. The balcony is part of the new 360-degree concourse, which offers fans easy access to merchandise and concessions.
The enhanced audio-visual capabilities are a significant upgrade, featuring four corner video boards and a centre-hung LED display. Combined with fascia ribbon boards and a state-of-the-art sound system, the visual and auditory experience for fans has been elevated to a new level. The renovation also included the addition of over 400 linear LED light fixtures accentuating the unique hyperbolic roof structure, further enhancing the overall atmosphere during games.
The Finneran Pavilion reopened in October 2018, and the first game played in the renovated arena was a 100–77 victory for the Villanova Wildcats. The renovation cost $65 million and transformed the pavilion into a modern and enhanced space that celebrates the history of Villanova basketball while providing a superior fan experience.
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The Villanova Stadium, home to the Wildcats football team, was built in 1927 and has been updated
The Finneran Pavilion, formerly known as The Pavilion, is a 6,501-seat multi-purpose arena that serves as the home of the Villanova University Wildcats men's and women's basketball teams. The arena, built in 1985, is recognisable for its unique hyperbolic paraboloid roofline. In 2016, it was announced that the Pavilion would undergo a $65 million renovation to modernise the facility and enhance the fan experience. The project included the addition of new concession stands, improved audio-visual capabilities, new seating, and a new entrance. The renovation also involved reconfiguring the student sections, reducing the seating on the south end, and adding additional student seating to the baseline of the north end.
During the 2017-2018 season, while the Finneran Pavilion was closed for renovations, the Villanova men's basketball team played their home games at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, while the women's team utilised the Jake Nevin Field House. The Finneran Pavilion reopened in October 2018, incorporating modern technology with Villanova's rich basketball history. The renovated arena features a new lobby and hall of fame, celebrating the university's athletic achievements, as well as a balcony "ring" overlooking the open court.
The Villanova Stadium, despite its age and renovations, remains a beloved home to the Wildcats football team and their dedicated fans. The ongoing updates ensure that the stadium can continue to accommodate the team's success and the enthusiasm of its supporters.
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The Finneran Pavilion is located adjacent to the Villanova Stadium on the Villanova campus
The Finneran Pavilion, formerly known as The Pavilion, is located adjacent to the Villanova Stadium on the Villanova campus. The arena was built in 1985 and opened in 1986. It is home to the Villanova University Wildcats basketball teams, hosting both the men's and women's teams. The Finneran Pavilion replaced the smaller Villanova Field House, which was renamed the Jake Nevin Field House.
The arena is recognisable for its unique hyperbolic paraboloid roofline, similar to the Alfond Arena at the University of Maine. The Finneran Pavilion has a seating capacity of 6,501. The arena is located about 10 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia.
In 2016, it was announced that The Pavilion would undergo a $65 million renovation to modernise the facility and enhance the fan experience. The project was supported by a $22.6 million donation from 1963 graduate William B. Finneran, for whom the arena is now named. The renovation work began at the end of the 2016-17 academic year, with the men's and women's basketball teams temporarily relocating to the Wells Fargo Center and the Jake Nevin Field House, respectively.
The newly renamed William B. Finneran Pavilion reopened in October 2018, featuring enhanced audio-visual capabilities, new seating, and concession stands. The renovation also included the Court One Club, which showcases the court from the 2016 National Championship Game. The Finneran Pavilion celebrates the history of Villanova basketball, with graphics and memorabilia on display throughout the arena.
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Frequently asked questions
The Finneran Pavilion, originally named The Pavilion, opened in 1986.
The Finneran Pavilion underwent a \$65 million renovation starting at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. It reopened in October 2018.
The Finneran Pavilion has a seating capacity of 6,501.
The Finneran Pavilion is the home arena for the Villanova University Wildcats, including the men's and women's basketball teams.











































