O'Connell Center, multipurpose sports facility of the University of Florida
The O'Connell Center, often called the O-Dome, is a large indoor arena on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. The building holds about 12,000 people and serves as the home court for basketball and volleyball teams, while also hosting gymnastics, swimming, and diving competitions.
In 1975 the University of Florida Athletic Association sought funds for a new indoor arena, and USF agreed to share one architectural design to stretch state funding. Groundbreaking took place in October 1977 on a parking lot across from Florida Field, and the $15.6 million building opened in December 1980, with its first event a men's basketball game on December 30, 1980. A $64.5 million reconstruction in 2016 brought the Exactech Arena naming deal.
Students nicknamed the building the "O'Dome" soon after it opened, and the name is still in use. The student section is called the "Rowdy Reptiles"; after a 2006 Florida-Kentucky game, ESPN commentator Dick Vitale said they make it one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.
The arena is conveniently located near campus and walkable by foot or bike, though parking nearby can be limited during busy events. Arriving early or using alternative transportation is recommended, especially when large crowds are expected.
ESPN The Magazine dubbed the arena the "House of Horrors" in 1999, and the Gators later used the name promotionally. The student section is called the Rowdy Reptiles; after a 2006 Florida-Kentucky game, ESPN commentator Dick Vitale said they make the O'Dome one of the toughest places to play in college basketball.
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