The Patriot Center is a 10,000-seat arena in Fairfax, Virginia. It is located on the campus of George Mason University (which has over 30,000 students), and has attracted 9.6 million people to over 2,958 events. In 2010, the Patriot Center was ranked No. 7 nationwide and No. 12 worldwide according to ticket sales for venues with capacities between 10,001 and 15,000 by trade publication Venues Today. Also in 2010, the Patriot Center was ranked No. 8 nationwide and No. 18 worldwide according to top grossing venues with a capacity between 10,001 and 15,000 by Billboard magazine. The Patriot Center opened on October 4, 1985, when the New York Knicks played the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards ) in a pre-season game. The arena is home to the George Mason University basketball teams, as well as concerts and family shows, with the 17000 sqft of space. The Patriot Center is the first university venue to be managed by a private company, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, who also owns and manages Verizon Center in Washington D.C. In 1986, the Patriot Center hosted the first men’s CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Tournament and hosted its first women’s CAA Tournament in 2005. In 1990, the Patriot Center held the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships. The Patriots have amassed an overall record of 220–92 at the Patriot Center. The Patriots are also 85–10 in the Patriot Center against Colonial Athletic Association opponents. During the 2010–2011 men's NCAA basketball season, the Patriots amassed a perfect 13–0 home record, which was the second time that occurred in three seasons. The arena has recently undergone a $10 million renovation, which added new concession stands, new hospitality area, new locker rooms and bathrooms, and an improved main concourse. This year, GMU men’s basketball team set an attendance record against Old Dominion University on homecoming, which then was reached again against James Madison University; both games were won by double digits. The Patriot Center also graduates many of Northern Virginia's high schools.
