Vadalabene Center

The Vadalabene Center is a sports facility on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus featuring a 4,000-seat arena, swimming pool, classrooms, and offices. The building contains several activity areas designed to serve the university's athletic and academic needs.

The facility opened in 1984 and was named after Illinois State Senator Sam M. Vadalabene, who was a strong supporter of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The senator's backing helped make the university's athletic vision possible.

The center serves as the home venue for SIUE Cougars basketball, volleyball, and wrestling teams while also hosting university graduations and major sporting championships. This mix of academic and athletic events makes it a focal point for campus life.

The facility is accessible from early morning through late evening, with longer hours on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. Visitors should check specific area schedules, as different spaces may have varying availability depending on campus events.

The center holds a world record for the most people simultaneously clicking pens at the same time. This unusual achievement shows how the venue can bring together large crowds for memorable moments.

Location: Illinois

Inception: December 5, 1984

Official opening: December 5, 1984

GPS coordinates: 38.79600,-89.99990

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53