Corbett Sports Center

Ellis F. Corbett Sports Center
The Dawg Pound
Full name	Ellis F. Corbett Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center
Location	1601 East Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411
Opened	1978
Renovated	2003, 2005
Owner	North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Operator	North Carolina A&T State University
Surface	Hardwood
Capacity	5,700
Tenants
North Carolina A&T Aggies (NCAA) (1978–present)

The Ellis F. Corbett Health, Physical Education and Recreation Center, usually called simply the Corbett Sports Center and popularly referred to as the Dawg Pound is a multi-purpose arena in Greensboro, North Carolina. The complex is home to the North Carolina A&T Aggies Aggie's men's and Aggie's women's basketball teams in addition to the women's Volleyball and Swimming Teams. The complex, opened in 1978, is named after Ellis F. Corbett, a 1931 graduate of A&T. Affectionately known as "Mr.A&T", Corbett was for many years the director of public relations and executive secretary of the national alumni association.^[1]

General Information

The three story complex houses office space, classrooms, two racquetball courts in addition to an Olympic sized swimming pool. In 2005, The basketball court was named the Cal Irvin-Don Corbett basketball court after two of the most Notable coaches in Aggie history. Corbett is most known for leading the Aggies to seven straight MEAC Men's Basketball Tournament Titles from 1982-1988. Corbett is also known for his 37 home winning streak that lasted from January 18, 1986 to November 30, 1988.^[2] Irwin's legacy stems from his 18 season run as the Aggies Basketball coach. During his tenure, the Aggies never finished below .500. Irvin’s success would carry the Aggies over from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, where he won the school’s first league championship in 1972. Irvin's held a 308-105 record as coach of the Aggies. His first CIAA championship came in 1958. Irvin’s teams won CIAA titles in 1959,1962, 1964, and 1967.^[3]

Home Court Advantage

Corbett Sports Center, which has become known for its intense playing atmosphere and loyal fan base, was chosen by ESPN columnist Kyle Whelliston as one of his favorite arena atmospheres.^[4] Additionally, Corbett Sports Center was ranked the 14th best atmosphere in the nation in an espn.com fan poll. North Carolina A&T had the distinction of being the only Historically Black College and University school in the poll, and in 2007 they had three games nationally-televised on ESPNU.^[2] Currently, the Lady Aggies Basketball program bost a 41-4 home court record and a 25 home court win streak that began during the 2007 season.

Non-Basketball Events

The Aggies host their home swim meets inside the Corbett Sports Center Natatorium. Renovated in 2003, the Natatorium has played host to the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Swim Meet, which the Aggies have claimed the last four meet wins.^[5] The HBCU Swim Meet is a three team meet which features North Carolina A&T, along with fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference institutions Howard University, and Florida A&M.

References

1. ^ "Bluford Library - Archives and Special Collections". NC A&T State University Library. 2010-07-15. http://www.library.ncat.edu/info/archives/athleticsbldgs_new.html. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Corbett Sports Center". NCATAggies.com. 2010-05-22. http://www.ncataggies.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=24500&ATCLID=204936497. 
3. ^ NC A&T SU Sports Information. "NCA&T Mens Basketball Media Guide". NCATAggies.com. http://www.ncataggies.com/fls/24500/old_site/Mensbasketball/2009-10%20ARTICLES/2009-10%20MBB%20WEB%20GUIDE/%283%29_MBB_INTRO.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=24500. Retrieved 2010-05-274. 
4. ^ Kyle Whelliston. "Student Spirit Week: Favorite Arena Atmospheres". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?id=2732030. Retrieved 2010-05-22. 
5. ^ "Aggie Swim Team Loses First Meet But Has High Hopes For Season". NCAT Register. 2010-06-09. http://www.ncatregister.com/aggie-swim-team-loses-first-meet-but-has-high-hopes-for-season-1.1945250. 

Coordinates: 36°04′36″N 79°46′08″W / 36.076783°N 79.768849°W / 36.076783; -79.768849