James A. Rhodes Arena
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James A. Rhodes Arena, commonly nicknamed "The JAR," is a basketball arena in Akron, Ohio, named for former Ohio governor James Rhodes. The arena opened in 1983 and is home to the University of Akron Zips men's and women's basketball teams. It hosted the Ohio Valley Conference men's basketball tournament in 1986. Renovations to the arena is 2002 included a new hardwood floor and four Opto Tech LED displays (pictured). The facility currently seats 5,500 people.
The decision to name the arena after former governor Rhodes was highly controversial as he ordered the Ohio National Guard to nearby Kent State University prior to the May 4, 1970 tragedy. Because of anticipated protests, the dedication of the building was not publicly announced in advance.
| Current basketball arenas in the Mid-American Conference |
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| Alumni Arnea (Buffalo) • Anderson Arena (Bowling Green) • Convocation Center (Eastern Michigan) • Convocation Center (Northern Illinois) • Convocation Center (Ohio) • Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (Kent State) • Millett Hall (Miami) • James A. Rhodes Arena (Akron) • Daniel P. Rose Center (Central Michigan) • Savage Hall (Toledo) • University Arena (Western Michigan) • John E. Worthen Arena (Ball State) |
