The Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center is a multi-purpose 5,500-seat indoor arena in Statesboro, Georgia. The arena is owned by Georgia Southern University and houses the Georgia Southern Eagles (NCAA Division I) men's and women's basketball teams.

Hill Convocation Center
The Hill
Map
Full nameJack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center
Address284 Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Way, Statesboro, GA 30458
LocationStatesboro, Georgia
Coordinates32°24′22.5″N 81°46′59.0″W / 32.406250°N 81.783056°W / 32.406250; -81.783056
OwnerGeorgia Southern University
Capacity5,500 (basketball)
5,900 (convocation)
Construction
Broke groundMay 26, 2022
OpenedDecember 4, 2024
Construction cost$64.4 million[1]
ArchitectHussey Gay Bell[2]
Tenants
Georgia Southern Eagles (NCAA)
(2024–present)
Website
Hill Convocation Center

History

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In February 2021, the University System of Georgia approved plans for the new convocation center to be dedicated to former Georgia State senator and alumni Jack Hill, along with his wife, Ruth Ann, in recognition for his service to committees that helped expand the university's funding for facilities.[3] In May 2022, construction broke ground on 95,000 square feet (8,800 m2) of land located on the south-side of the university campus along the Veterans Memorial Parkway, serving as the centerpiece of the university's "South Campus" expansion.[4] The structure was built to accommodate basketball games and convocation events, as well as classrooms, faculty offices, and psychology labs to serve the university's sports medicine academia.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hill Convocation Center was held on December 4, 2024.[5] Following its opening, the Georgia Southern men's and women's basketball teams will finish their 2024–25 seasons playing at the Hill Convocation Center, despite starting their initial home games at Hanner Fieldhouse.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Georgia Southern celebrates Topping Out milestone for Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center". Savannah Business Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  2. ^ "GS Convocation Center - Hussey Gay Bell". Hussey Gay Bell. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  3. ^ "BOR approves naming of planned Convocation Center at Georgia Southern". georgiasouthern.edu. February 11, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  4. ^ "Dignitaries Help University Officials Break Ground on Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center". Georgia Southern University Athletics. May 26, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  5. ^ Healy, Jim. "'The Hill' Convocation Center now open". Statesboro Herald. Retrieved December 5, 2024.