Bob Carpenter Center
| Company type | Arena |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports and entertainment venue |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Newark , United States |
| Products | Basketball games, concerts, events |
| Website | www |
Bob Carpenter Center is a versatile arena with a seating capacity of 5,000 located in Newark, Delaware. It is named in honor of benefactor and trustee R. R. M. Carpenter Jr. (1915–1990). Commonly referred to as "The Bob" by students at the University of Delaware, the facility serves as the primary venue for the university’s men's and women's basketball programs.
The facility was inaugurated in 1992 and was designed by HOK Sport (currently known as Populous), a company recognized for completing over 150 sports-related projects. The total expenditure for construction reached $20.5 million. In 2010, enhancements were made including the addition of two regulation basketball courts, upgraded offices, locker rooms, and a new entrance plaza to improve the athletic complex.
A portion of the arena bears the name of Frank E. Acierno, a local entrepreneur who contributed $1 million—the largest individual donation received by the center.
Between 2013 and 2018, the Bob Carpenter Center served as the home court for the Delaware 87ers (now called the Delaware Blue Coats) of the NBA G League. The venue has also been a site for NBA preseason contests featuring franchises such as the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. Since 2014, with the exception of 2017, it has hosted an annual WNBA preseason game highlighting UD alumna Elena Delle Donne.
In addition to sporting events, the center has been utilized for various functions including a 1996 political rally for Vice President Al Gore, America East Conference men’s basketball tournaments from 1997 through 2001, WWE events, musical concerts, stand-up comedy shows, and craft exhibitions.