at 631 S College Ave, Newark , 19716
<p><b>Bob Carpenter Center</b> is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose <a href="/pages/w/105986246098810">arena</a>, in <a href="/pages/w/108530542504412">Newark, Delaware</a>, named in honor of benefactor and trustee, <a href="/pages/w/134980206535008">R. R. M. Carpenter, Jr.</a> (1915–1990). Students at the <a href="/pages/w/111960675486467">University of Delaware</a> have nicknamed it "The Bob."</p><p>The arena opened in 1992 and facility was designed by <a href="/pages/w/110538762307061">HOK Sport</a>, who have been involved in more than 150 sports and recreation projects. The construction of the building cost $20.5 million. In late 2010, the University began construction on an addition, which will include two full-size basketball courts, new offices and locker rooms for the basketball and volleyball programs, and a new entrance plaza.</p><p>The arena section of the building is named in honor of Frank E. Acierno, a local businessman and developer, who donated $1 million to the Bob Carpenter Center, the largest gift from a single donor.</p><p>It is home to the University of Delaware Blue Hens <a href="/pages/w/108614982500363">basketball</a> <a href="/pages/w/112075248807704">team</a>, and beginning in fall of 2013, the <a href="/pages/w/107402949289616">Delaware 87ers</a> of the <a href="/pages/w/105561799478642">NBA Development League</a>. It will also host a preseason game for the <a href="/pages/w/105518026148806">Philadelphia 76ers</a> vs the <a href="/pages/w/103126549727681">Boston Celtics</a>.</p><p>It hosted a campaign rally for Vice President <a href="/pages/w/112328015444916">Al Gore</a> in 1996 and all or part of the 1997-2001 <a href="/pages/w/111906295492943">America East Conference</a> men's basketball tournaments.</p>