John Paul Jones Arena
John Paul Jones Arena, or JPJ, is a multi-purpose arena owned by the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Since November 2006, it serves as the home to the Virginia Cavaliers men's and women's basketball teams, as well as for concerts and other events. With seating for 14,623 fans (nearly twice the capacity of its predecessor, University Hall) John Paul Jones Arena is the largest indoor arena in Virginia and the biggest Atlantic Coast Conference basketball arena located outside of large metropolitan areas. Sports Illustrated named John Paul Jones Arena the best new college basketball arena of the 2000s.
| Location | 295 Massie Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38.046°N 78.507°W |
| Owner | University of Virginia |
| Operator | ASM Global |
| Capacity | Basketball: 14,623 Concerts: *End stage 180°: 12,467 *End stage 270°: 14,075 *End stage 360°: 15,177 *Center stage: 15,405 *Theatre: 7,352 |
| Record attendance | 15,219 (11/12/06 vs. Arizona) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | May 30, 2003 |
| Opened | August 1, 2006 |
| Construction cost | $131 million ($217 million in 2023 dollars) |
| Architect | VMDO Architects |
| Structural engineer | Ellerbe Becket |
| General contractor | Barton Malow |
| Tenants | |
| Virginia Cavaliers (Men's & Women's Basketball) | |
Virginia men's basketball is 206–46 (.817) at John Paul Jones Arena as of March 2021. The Cavaliers have fared even better, 167–30 (.848), at JPJ during the Tony Bennett era. Virginia fans in the arena are known for cheering loudly for defensive stands and for providing what Rick Pitino, who went winless in three attempts at JPJ, called "one of the best home court advantages [he's] ever seen" where Wahoo fans seem like they are "on top of you." JPJ opened for basketball on November 12, 2006, as Virginia defeated No. 10 ranked Arizona, 93–90, and handed Lute Olson a season-opening loss in his final season.