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Building Name
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George Gervin GameAbove Center
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Description
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The George Gervin GameAbove Center (formerly the Convocation Center) at Eastern Michigan University is located on the west campus. Built in 1998 as part of a campus upgrade initiative, the George Gervin GameAbove Center is a 204,316 square-foot structure that features three user-friendly levels including arena, concourse, office space and boasts versatile seating configurations, which allow clients to maximize space usage. The George Gervin GameAbove Center is ideal for concerts, commencements, family entertainment, conferences banquets, trade shows and athletic events. The arena accommodates 20,000 square-feet on the main floor with an additional 18,000 square-feet throughout the entire facility. The Convocation Center was renamed in 2021 for George Gervin, a former professional basketball player who played for EMU between 1970-1972. In 2023, a statue of Gervin was unveiled in front of the center, and Gervin was in attendance at the unveiling ceremony.
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Building Namesake
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George "Iceman" Gervin was born on April 27, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan. Gervin attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School, and in 1970 was a Detroit Free Press All-State selection for basketball. Gervin received a scholarship to play at California State University, but transferred to Eastern Michigan University before the first semester was over. Gervin played basketball for EMU between 1970-72. Gervin played for a couple different semi-profession teams in the ABA, and was playing for the San Antonio Spurs when they became a part of the NBA in 1977. While playing for the Spurs, the team made it to the 1979 NBA Final. Gervin had a very successful career with the Spurs, and prior to Michael Jordon, Gervin had the most scoring titles of any guard in the history of the league. Gervin was traded to the Chicago Bulls before the 1985-86 season, which ended up being the last season Gervin would play with before retiring. After his retirement from the NBA, Gervin when overseas and played several seasons in Europe, before officially retiring from the game in 1990. After his official retirement, Gervin briefly coached for the Spurs (1992-1994). In 2021, the same year the Convocation Center was renamed after Gervin, The Athletic named Gervin as the 42nd greatest player in NBA history.
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Year Constructed
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1996
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Date Dedicated
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9-Dec-98
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Building Functions
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Sporting Events, Basketball, Volleyball; Convocations, Graduations, Concerts and Events
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Architect
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Rossetti Associates / The Argos Group, Birmingham, MI
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Builder
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Barton Malow Company
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Original Cost
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29,600,000
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Architectural Style
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Post Modern
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Square Footage
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204,316
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Rights
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the owner, Eastern Michigan University Archives (lib_archives@emich.edu).
