A Quarter Century Of The Mack Sports Complex At Hofstra University (1/2/25)

The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, home to Hofstra basketball and a multitude of other University events, is celebrating its 25th anniversary on January 2, 2025.

On January 2, 2000, the Hofstra basketball and wrestling programs moved into the then-5,023-seat Hofstra Arena, which was renamed the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in 2006. Since opening in 2000, four Hofstra teams have played in the building as the men and women's basketball programs have called it home as have the Pride wrestling program and, for a few select matches, the Hofstra volleyball team. The Mack Sports Complex has hosted numerous postseason games including a pair of America East Men's Basketball Championship games, National Invitation Tournament contests, Women's National Invitation Tournament games, College Basketball Invitational contests, and CAA and EIWA Wrestling Championships. Various high school championship events have also taken place in the venue.

In the first game in the building's history, the men's basketball program defeated Boston University, 74-46, as Speedy Claxton led Hofstra with 19 points, Norman Richardson added 17, and Danny Walker chipped in with 15. The Hofstra women's basketball team debuted at the arena on January 9 with a 72-68 victory over Delaware, behind 20 points from Jen Brickey and eight assists from Denee Rivera. The first Pride wrestling match occurred January 30 with Hofstra posting a 28-9 win over Seton Hall behind wins from Rob Anspach, Jason DeBruin, Mike Eberle, Roman Fleszar, Tom Noto, Dennis Papadatos, Eric Schmiesing, and Noel Thompson.

Construction of the $15 million, 93,000 square-foot facility began in the fall of 1998 and was completed in December 1999. Along with the construction of the arena, the Hofstra Softball Stadium (now known as Bill Edwards Stadium) was built adjacent to the Mack Sports Complex as the original field location was needed to accommodate the building process. In addition, the new arena led to the renovation of the Hofstra Physical Fitness Center (now known as the David S. Mack Physical Education Center) into a volleyball-only venue that serves as the home court of the Pride volleyball team. The Mack Sports Complex itself has undergone renovations over the years, the most recent being the addition of four video boards, a new sound system, renovated locker rooms and weight room, and updated branding throughout the building.

The Mack Sports Complex also has a rich history of hosting presidential debates. In September 2016 the Mack Sports Complex hosted the presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. It was the third consecutive election cycle that Hofstra hosted a debate in the Mack Sports Complex following the 2012 debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney and the 2008 debate between Obama and John McCain. Hofstra is the first university to host three consecutive presidential debates. The 2010 and 2018 New York State Gubernatorial Debates were also held at the Mack Sports Complex.

The Mack Sports Complex has also hosted performances by NBC Late Night talk show host and comedian Jimmy Fallon, comedians Aziz Ansari and Craig Ferguson, musical artists Justin Bieber, 3 Doors Down, and Paul Anka.
Hofstra holds its own commencement exercises at the Mack Sports Complex and many local high schools conduct their graduation ceremonies in the building as well. The annual Hofstra University Gala, which raises funds for scholarships, is held in the Mack Sports Complex each spring. The Mack Sports Complex also hosts numerous trade shows, college fairs, job fairs, high school robotics competitions, and card shows each year.

Mack Sports Complex Firsts
First Basket (Men's Basketball): Speedy Claxton
First Basket (Women's Basketball): Jen Brickey
First Win (Wrestling): Tom Noto

Wins In Mack Sports Complex By Team
Men's Basketball: 237
Women's Basketball: 176
Wrestling: 64

Top Crowds In Mack Sports Complex History
5,124 - Men's basketball vs. Delaware (2/6/00)
5,124 vs. Delaware (America East Men's Basketball Championship Game, 3/11/00)
5,124 vs. Delaware (America East Men's Basketball Championship Game, 3/10/01)
5,124 vs. Men's basketball vs. St. John's (12/11/04)