The Hazell Center
The Hazell Center | |
| Full name | Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center |
|---|---|
| Former names | Charger Gymnasium |
| Address | 20 Chauncey Street West Haven, Connecticut United States |
| Owner | University of New Haven |
| Operator | University of New Haven |
| Capacity | 867 |
| Construction | |
| Built | Unknown |
| Renovated | 2019 |
| Tenants | |
| New Haven Chargers men's basketball New Haven Chargers women's basketball New Haven Chargers volleyball | |
Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center (commonly known as The Hazell Center) is an intercollegiate athletics facility located on the University of New Haven’s North Campus in West Haven, Connecticut. Formerly known as Charger Gymnasium, it serves as the home venue for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball programs, and also hosts community events and regional competitions. [1]
History
The facility has been a central athletics venue for the University of New Haven since its early years. In 2019, the center underwent renovations that included replacement of the original wooden bleachers with modern retractable seating and installation of a new playing floor. [1]
In June 2022, the university announced a $3 million gift from alumnus Jeffery P. Hazell which supported ongoing upgrades and led to the renaming of the building in his honor. [2]
In July 2025, Hazell committed an additional $5 million to support athletics infrastructure at the university, including enhancements to the Hazell Center as part of broader preparations for NCAA Division I competition. [3] The enhanced funding has been described as supporting expanded locker rooms, improved viewing areas, and additional team spaces. [4]
Facilities
The Hazell Center contains a full-size basketball court with seating for approximately 1,000 spectators. [5] It houses locker rooms for varsity programs, athletics offices, a sports medicine room, and the **Tony Sparano Training Center**, a strength and conditioning facility named for the former Miami Dolphins head coach and university alumnus. [1] [6]
Besides intercollegiate competition, the Hazell Center has hosted NCAA regional volleyball tournaments, Special Olympics events, convocations, concerts, and athletic camps for the surrounding community. [1]
Use
The Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center is regularly used for home competitions by the New Haven Chargers men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. University event listings refer to the facility as “The Hazell Center” for scheduled games and activities. [7]
Role in NCAA Division I Transition
On May 6, 2025, the University of New Haven announced that it would transition from NCAA Division II to Division I by joining the **Northeast Conference (NEC)**, with membership effective July 1, 2025. [8] National and regional media coverage of the transition emphasized athletics facility readiness as part of the university’s Division I strategy. [9] [10]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center". University of New Haven Athletics. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "University of New Haven Benefactor, Former Student, Jeffery Hazell Commits $3 Million to Support Renovation of Charger Gymnasium". University of New Haven. 2022-06-09. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Jeffery P. Hazell '83 Commits $5 Million to Support University of New Haven's Transition to Division I Athletics and Enhancements to Hazell Athletics Center". University of New Haven. 2025-07-14. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Jeffery P. Hazell '83". University of New Haven Board of Governors. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Intercollegiate Athletics & Campus Recreation". University of New Haven Academic Catalog. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Tony Sparano Training Center". University of New Haven Athletics. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "University of New Haven Events Calendar". University of New Haven. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Northeast Conference adding New Haven in move to Division I". ESPN. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "University of New Haven to join NEC, moving to NCAA Division I sports". NBC Connecticut. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
- ↑ "Former coach believes transition to Division I allows New Haven to 'control their destiny'". CT Insider. 2025. Retrieved 2026-01-08.
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