Bucknell University Athletics
Sojka Pavilion Primed for Wednesday's Openers
1/13/2003 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 13, 2003
LEWISBURG, Pa. - There may be a trace of fresh paint wafting in the air, or a lingering workman finishing a last-minute project, but Bucknell's gleaming new 4,000-seat multipurpose arena will open for business as scheduled on Wednesday night when the Bison men's and women's basketball teams christen Sojka Pavilion against Patriot League rival Lehigh.
Tickets still remain for the long-awaited opening of Sojka Pavilion. The women's tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m., and following the formal dedication of the arena, the men's game will begin at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Sojka Pavilion represents the final major piece of Bucknell's state-of-the-art Recreation and Athletics Center. In use since the fall is the Krebs Fitness Center and Kinney Natatorium, as well as a new sports medicine center and administrative and coaches' offices.
The pavilion includes "walk-down" access and unobstructed views of the playing surface from all seating areas. Many of the 4,000 seats are fixed in place, while others are retractable to allow for an expandable open floor area with sufficient space for three regulation basketball courts for recreational use as well as varsity practice. The facility also features concession areas, ticket windows, restrooms, handicapped seating, team and officials locker rooms, a media room and other meeting areas.
The building will be dedicated in honor of Dr. Gary A. Sojka, former president of Bucknell University and a current faculty member in the biology department. Sojka oversaw Bucknell's highly successful move into the Patriot League in the mid-1980s, and he currently serves as the university's NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative.
On Saturday, Bucknell played its final basketball games in 64-year-old Davis Gymnasium. The Bison men finished in style, defeating American 63-52 for their 461st victory in Davis. The Orange and Blue won nearly two-thirds of their contests in the venerable facility over 64 years.
Bucknell's women will be the first to tip off in Sojka Pavilion. The Bison are seeking their first conference win after suffering a tough 75-74 loss to American on Saturday. The women are 5-8 overall.
The Bison men bring a 7-6 record into Wednesday's contest and are in search of their third straight victory.
