SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Let the games begin.

Just hours before the Sacramento State women's basketball team was to take the court for its 2025-26 season opener, University leaders were joined by head women's basketball coach Aaron Kallhoff, head men's basketball coach Mike Bibby, and Athletic Director Mark Orr in cutting the ribbon to officially open Hornet Pavilion on Monday afternoon on campus.

"This event center represents the university finally delivering on a promise made to students over two decades ago," said President Dr. Luke Wood. "For more than 20 years, student fees have been collected with the commitment that they would fund this facility. While it's certainly long overdue, it's gratifying to see these funds finally being used for their intended purpose. This center will benefit current student, alumni, and future students as they come to enjoy NCAA and recreation basketball and other events."

Added Orr, "The opening of Hornet Pavilion marks a historic moment for Sacramento State Athletics and our entire campus community. This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility will provide our men's and women's basketball programs with a true homecourt advantage and a first-class experience for our fans, students, and alumni.

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude to The WELL, Associated Students, Inc., and President Wood for their incredible partnership and vision in making this project a reality. Their commitment to enhancing the student experience and advancing Hornet Athletics has been instrumental in bringing the Hornet Pavilion to life. Together, we have created a venue that reflects the pride, passion, and progress of Hornet Nation."
 

Located inside The WELL, an on-campus fitness and health facility that opened to serve the campus community in 2010 and underwent a further expansion in 2021, Hornet Pavilion serves as the new home court advantage for the Sacramento State basketball programs while also providing an event center that better provides space for programming for students and the community at large.

Enhancements to the facility included the removal of existing court markings and the re-striping of all courts in the space to include a regulation NCAA basketball court in the center, featuring a new design that celebrates the university's home in California's state capitol. Telescopic bleachers were added to the venue to provide seating for 3,000 fans — tripling to size of The Nest. When the Hornets are not using the facility, the bleachers can be retracted and provide four courts for student use, which feature new retractable backboards and baskets.

State-of-the-art Daktronics video boards were installed at each end of the court, allowing for in-game statistics and information, promotional videos, and crowd prompts, while LED ribbon boards flank either side of the court. In addition, new scoreboards were also installed at court level to provide fans numerous avenues to follow along with the time and score. New press tables featuring LED video boards line one side of the court, while both baselines and the opposite sidelines host courtside seating that brings fans even closer to the action.

A new sound system and the replacement of existing lighting with LEDs enhances the atmosphere, along with additional signage, branding, and graphics celebrating Sacramento State and the city of Sacramento.