SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The excitement is palpable as the Sacramento State women’s basketball team gears up for its 2025-26 season opener. Just hours before the first tip-off, university officials, including head women’s basketball coach Aaron Kallhoff, head men’s basketball coach Mike Bibby, and Athletic Director Mark Orr, celebrated the grand opening of Hornet Pavilion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event on campus.
“This event center represents the university finally delivering on a promise made to students over two decades ago,” stated President Dr. Luke Wood. He expressed satisfaction in seeing funds, collected from student fees over the years, now being utilized to benefit current students, alumni, and future generations. The newly opened facility is designed to enhance the experience for all those who participate in NCAA basketball and other events.
Athletic Director Mark Orr emphasized the significance of this achievement for Sacramento State Athletics, describing the pavilion as a modern facility that provides both men’s and women’s basketball teams with a true homecourt advantage. “This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will offer a first-class experience for our fans, students, and alumni,” he remarked, acknowledging the invaluable partnerships that brought the project to fruition.
Hornet Pavilion, located within The WELL—an on-campus fitness facility that debuted in 2010 and was expanded in 2021—will serve not only as a competitive venue for basketball but also as an event center benefitting the broader student body and local community.
Enhancements to the pavilion include a complete reconfiguration of the court markings to feature a regulation NCAA basketball court at its center, along with seating accommodations for 3,000 fans thanks to newly installed telescopic bleachers, substantially increasing the capacity from The Nest. The venue is designed for dual use, allowing four courts for students when not in competition, complete with retractable backboards and baskets.
Additionally, the facility boasts sophisticated Daktronics video boards for in-game statistics, promotional content, and crowd engagement, supported by LED ribbon boards and upgraded scoreboards to ensure fans remain informed throughout games. New press tables equipped with video displays and premier courtside seating have also been incorporated to bring fans closer to the action.
Enhancements to the sound system and lighting create an energized atmosphere, while updated signage and branding celebrate both Sacramento State and the vibrant city of Sacramento, fostering a sense of pride among the campus community.
The opening of Hornet Pavilion marks a transformative moment in the history of Sacramento State, creating a cultural and competitive landmark that will leave a lasting impact on students, alumni, and sports enthusiasts alike.