GW to Celebrate Smith Center's Anniversary at Weekend of Events
9/8/2025 2:57:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
George Washington University to Celebrate Smith Center's 50th Anniversary at Weekend of Events
A party 50 years in the making is coming to George Washington University on December 5 - 6, 2025 as the university celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Charles E. Smith Center.
For five decades, Smith Center has been the heart of GW athletics and a hub for unforgettable moments in Foggy Bottom. From buzzer-beating basketball games to high-energy gymnastics, swimming & diving, volleyball and water polo contests, the Smith Center has brought generations of global speakers, legends, luminaries, fans, students and alumni together under one roof. Now, it's time to celebrate the legacy—and the future—of this iconic venue.
While all year long GW will host a series of special events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Smith Center, including commemorative game nights, exclusive giveaways, and a spotlight on standout moments from the past five decades, the action crescendos on December 5th and 6th.
On Friday evening, Dec. 5, the 2025 GW Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be inducted; a group of champions that includes Jessica Adair (women's basketball), Yinka Dare (men's basketball), Atakan Destici (men's water polo), Fran Dias (men's tennis), Lauren Whyte (volleyball) and special inductee Dr. Robert Chernak (administration).
Saturday's fun tips off with a women's basketball game against Brown at 1:00 pm, followed by a reunion for all former student-athletes from all eras and all sports in GW Athletics' history between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. The evening is highlighted by a 6:00 pm men's basketball game vs. William & Mary; the first Division I opponent that GW defeated in the Smith Center in 1975. Players from both team's rosters from that season have been invited to be honored at the game.
Fans and former GW student-athletes are encouraged to get their tickets now for the Hall of Fame induction, women's basketball vs. Brown, the all-athlete reception and men's basketball vs. W&M here.
Smith Center patrons for all events in the building's history are also invited to submit their favorite memories of the venue here.
A party 50 years in the making is coming to George Washington University on December 5 - 6, 2025 as the university celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Charles E. Smith Center.
For five decades, Smith Center has been the heart of GW athletics and a hub for unforgettable moments in Foggy Bottom. From buzzer-beating basketball games to high-energy gymnastics, swimming & diving, volleyball and water polo contests, the Smith Center has brought generations of global speakers, legends, luminaries, fans, students and alumni together under one roof. Now, it's time to celebrate the legacy—and the future—of this iconic venue.
While all year long GW will host a series of special events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Smith Center, including commemorative game nights, exclusive giveaways, and a spotlight on standout moments from the past five decades, the action crescendos on December 5th and 6th.
On Friday evening, Dec. 5, the 2025 GW Athletics Hall of Fame Class will be inducted; a group of champions that includes Jessica Adair (women's basketball), Yinka Dare (men's basketball), Atakan Destici (men's water polo), Fran Dias (men's tennis), Lauren Whyte (volleyball) and special inductee Dr. Robert Chernak (administration).
Saturday's fun tips off with a women's basketball game against Brown at 1:00 pm, followed by a reunion for all former student-athletes from all eras and all sports in GW Athletics' history between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. The evening is highlighted by a 6:00 pm men's basketball game vs. William & Mary; the first Division I opponent that GW defeated in the Smith Center in 1975. Players from both team's rosters from that season have been invited to be honored at the game.
Fans and former GW student-athletes are encouraged to get their tickets now for the Hall of Fame induction, women's basketball vs. Brown, the all-athlete reception and men's basketball vs. W&M here.
Smith Center patrons for all events in the building's history are also invited to submit their favorite memories of the venue here.
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