Joan Perry Brock Center

The Joan Perry Brock Center is a 3,000-seat indoor multi-use arena and convocation center, located on the campus of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. The arena is home to the university's men's and women's basketball programs, replacing Willett Hall.[9]

Joan Perry Brock Center
JPB
Map
Address405 Spruce Street
Farmville, VA
Coordinates37°17′54″N 78°23′44″W / 37.29833°N 78.39556°W / 37.29833; -78.39556
OwnerLongwood University
OperatorCENTERS
Capacity3,000 (basketball)[8]
Construction
Broke groundMay 2021[1]
OpenedAugust 25, 2023[2]
Construction cost$40 million[3][4]
ArchitectRRMM and AECOM[6][7]
BuilderSkanska USA[5]
Tenants
Longwood Lancers men's basketball (NCAA) (2023–present)
Longwood Lancers women's basketball (NCAA) (2023–present)

The arena is named after Joan Brock, a philanthropist and 1964 alum, who provided $15 million, the largest gift in Longwood University's history.[1][10] Like Willett Hall the basketball court is named after former Longwood basketball player Jerome Kersey, officially making the hardwood Jerome Kersey Court.[11][12]

Architecture/Design

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The center was designed to reinforce the historical traditional Jeffersonian architecture and features the traditional campus palette of red brick and light colored trim, with a series of continuous arches of precast stone.[6] Elements like wood paneling and the student bleachers were influenced by the Palestra and Cameron Indoor Stadium.[13]

The arena features a removable grandstand to allow a stage for concerts and convocations. Premium seating includes the president's suite and unique opera boxes in each of the corners.[7]

Arena usage

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Sports

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The arena is the home court for both the men's and women's basketball programs at Longwood University, and held its first game on November 11, 2023.

Other events

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The venue's first public event was a sold-out concert by Oliver Anthony.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Joan Perry Brock Center". Longwood University. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Bagent, Tyler. "Joan Perry Brock Center Opens To Fanfare, Pep Rally". The Rotunda. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  3. ^ Kerkhoff, Blair (May 16, 2023). "UMKC hopes to build new on-campus arena for basketball, volleyball and other events". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  4. ^ "Coming Soon: A sampling of sports venue projects scheduled to finish in 2023". Sports Business Journal. January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  5. ^ "Skanska to Provide Construction Management Oversight for Longwood University's New Joan Perry Brock Center". citybiz. October 28, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Joan Perry Brock Center". Franck & Lohsen Architects. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Longwood University: Joan Perry Brock Convocation Center". RRMM Architects. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  8. ^ "Joan Perry Brock Center". Longwood University. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Laukaitis, Tobi (November 10, 2023). "New 3,000-seat arena brings growth, pride to Farmville". Cardinal News. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  10. ^ Laughrun, Alyson (April 10, 2019). "Longwood University receives largest donation in its history". WRIC. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  11. ^ Cook, Chris (November 25, 2016). "Longwood to Name Court in Honor of Jerome Kersey" (Press release). Longwood Lancers. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  12. ^ "The Joan Perry Brock Center: Longwood Basketball's New Home". Retrieved May 7, 2023.
  13. ^ "Swan Song: Longwood basketball says goodbye to Willett Hall". The Farmville Herald. February 23, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
Preceded by Home of the
Longwood Lancers men's basketball

2023–present
Succeeded by
Current
Preceded by Home of the
Longwood Lancers women's basketball

2023–present
Succeeded by
Current