George Washington University Athletics
The Charles E. Smith Center
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The Charles E. Smith Center has served as the home of the George Washington University Department of Athletics and Recreation for 50 years. The facility's primary purpose is housing the majority of GW's 20 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's and Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, and Men's Water Polo play all of their home games at the Charles E. Smith Center. In addition to hosting varsity athletics, the Smith Center houses practice space for club sports, classroom space for Exercise Science classes, and office space for the Department of Athletics and Recreation.
The Smith Center, dedicated on December 6, 1975, replaced the “Tin Tabernacle” gymnasium. It was named in honor of Charles E. Smith (1901-1995). Smith was a nationally renowned real estate developer, civic leader, and humanitarian. He received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from GW in 1979 and became a GW trustee and chairman of the university development committee from 1967 to 1976. His son, Robert H. Smith, was a board member from 1976 through 1997; David Bruce Smith, B.A. ’79, son of Robert H. and grandson of Charles E. Smith, served from 2001-2012.
In 2008, the Smith Center started a three-year renovation project stimulated by a $10 million donation from the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation, the Charles E. Smith Family Foundation, and Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod. The renovation, which was completed in May 2011, has transformed the Smith Center into a first class facility, worthy of housing our hard-working student athletes.
In Fall of 2019, more enhancements were made to the Smith Center. The enhancements include an updated concessions concourse that features an interactive Hall of Fame exhibit, a new center-hung video display with 125% more pixels than the previous system, a refurbished and revamped Tin Tabernacle Club, bleacher replacements and a new court design.
Along with the intercollegiate sport events that occur, the Smith Center has also hosted many major events and concerts throughout the years. In the past, popular artists such as Bob Dylan, Maroon 5, Ben Folds, The Beach Boys, the Black-Eyed Peas, blackbear, Ray Charles and Patti LaBelle have performed at Smith Center as well as comedians Dana Carvey, David Spade, Jay Leno, Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Jimmy Fallon, Hasan Minaj, Michelle Wolf, Michael Che and the late George Carlin and Robin Williams. Sports fans have also enjoyed attending indoor tennis tournaments, USA Women's Basketball games, as well as many camps facilitated by GW coaches and staff.
The Smith Center is also available to host smaller scale events in our two club rooms: The Tin Tabernacle Club and Champions Club. Whether it is a meeting for 10 or a sit down lunch for 75, these premier club rooms can suit your needs. For more information about hosting an event, big or small, at the Smith Center, please e-mail athsched@gwu.edu.
The Smith Center is a landmark and cornerstone of The George Washington University. Come see what happens here for yourself!
Charles E. Smith Center Parking
Smith Center A to Z Guide
Directions
Arena Rentals
Visiting Team Guide
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