The Jenny Craig Pavilion is a multi‑purpose indoor arena located on the campus of the University of San Diego (USD) in San Diego, California, United States. Opened in 2000, the facility serves as the home venue for the university’s Toreros athletic programs, including men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
Key characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | University of San Diego campus, San Diego, California |
| Opening year | 2000 |
| Owner/Operator | University of San Diego |
| Primary tenants | San Diego Toreros men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball teams |
| Seating capacity | Approximately 5,100 for basketball events; capacity varies for concerts and other functions |
| Construction cost | Reported at roughly US$12 million |
| Architectural design | Designed by the architectural firm of Gensler (subject to verification) |
| Naming | The pavilion is named after Jenny Craig, the founder of the Jenny Craig weight‑loss program, in recognition of a significant philanthropic contribution to the university. |
Facilities and usage
The arena features a hardwood playing surface, modern locker rooms, training facilities, and a scoreboard system suitable for collegiate competition. In addition to athletic events, the Jenny Craig Pavilion hosts university ceremonies (such as commencement), community gatherings, concerts, and other entertainment events.
Historical context
The construction of the pavilion was part of a broader campus development plan aimed at enhancing USD’s athletic infrastructure and providing a venue that could accommodate larger audiences than the previous on‑campus facilities. The naming rights reflect a partnership between the university and the Jenny Craig organization, reflecting the donor’s interest in supporting health‑related initiatives and education.
Notable events
- Regular season and conference tournament games for the West Coast Conference (WCC) men’s and women’s basketball.
- WCC women's volleyball matches.
- Occasional regional high‑school basketball tournaments and community sporting events.
References
Information compiled from publicly available university press releases, the University of San Diego athletics website, and reputable news coverage of the arena’s opening and naming.