Alumni Arena is a world-class facility that houses the university's NCAA Division I sports teams and faculty. It's the place for men's and women's Mid-American Conference basketball competition, fitness activities, Distinguished Speakers Series lectures and large-scale events, including general commencement. The building was constructed in two phases in 1982 and 1985. The addition included a gymnastics area, activity rooms, locker rooms, and racquetball courts, among other uses. Alumni Arena also includes a 6,000-seat gym for basketball, wrestling or volleyball (also the site of commencements and lectures by prominent speakers) and a natatorium. The gym is also home to a 50-meter Olympic pool with a 1.2-million-gallon capacity. It's also home to the Department of Theatre and Dance.
The arena is dedicated to UB's alumni. Steven Sample, who served as UB president from 1982 to 1991, believed that a strong athletic program could enrich the academic experience. He helped establish Alumni Arena to build university spirit among students and staff.