BankUnited Center

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = BankUnited Center| nickname =


location = 1234 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
broke_ground =
opened = January 4, 2003
closed =
demolished =
owner = University of Miami
operator = Global Spectrum
surface =
construction_cost= $48 million
architect = Ellerbe Becket &
Spills Candela
former_names = University of Miami Convocation Center, 2002-2005| tenants = Miami Hurricanes
(Men's and Women's Basketball) (2003-present) seating_capacity = 8,000

The BankUnited Center is a 8,000-seat multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, in the United States.

Founding

The arena opened in 2003 as the University of Miami Convocation Center, and is home to the Miami Hurricanes Men's and Women's basketball teams. Events held in the BankUnited Center include concerts, sporting events, lectures, award shows, high school graduations, and Men's and Women's basketball games. It is the largest arena ever built on campus.

Prior to the opening of the BankUnited Center, the school played its games at the Miami Arena since its opening in 1988.

2004

In September 2004, the BankUnited Center was the scene of the first presidential debate between incumbent George W. Bush and his challenger John Kerry.

2005

BankUnited, the largest bank headquartered in Florida, enters into an agreement with University of Miami to name the building in honor of the company. BankUnited is based in Coral Gables, home of UM, and many members of the management team are alumni. The bank also recruits extensively from UM’s student population.

2006

In August 2006, Latin pop artist Ricky Martin taped his "MTV Unplugged" video at the BankUnited Center [http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/15302087.htm] .

2007

September and December 2007 Univision hosted a forum in Spanish moderated by Univision's anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas.

2008

In 2008, the BankUnited Center celebrated its 5th Anniversary. The building also held the SOLD OUT Elite XC presents Street Certified event featuring the Kimbo Slice/Tank Abbott fight and the SOLD OUT Miami Freestyle Invasion. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling held a house show here on September 27, 2008

External links

* [http://www.bankunitedcenter.com/ Official Web Site] .

succession box
title = Home of the
Miami Hurricanes basketball team
years = 2003 – present
before = Miami Arena
after = Current