Haas Pavilion: A Sporting Legacy at UC Berkeley

Haas Pavilion, a cornerstone of the University of California, Berkeley's athletic facilities, stands as a testament to the school's commitment to sports and community. Originally constructed in 1933 as Harmon Gym, it served as the primary indoor athletic venue for decades, hosting countless basketball games, volleyball matches, and gymnastics meets. In 1999, the facility underwent a transformative renovation, expanding its capacity and modernizing its amenities while preserving its unique character. The renovated arena was renamed Haas Pavilion in honor of Walter A. Haas Jr., a distinguished alumnus and philanthropist whose generous donation made the project possible. Haas Pavilion is more than just a sports arena; it's a vibrant hub of campus life. Located in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus, it's surrounded by other athletic facilities, including Evans Diamond (baseball) and Edwards Stadium (track and field). The Pavilion's central location makes it easily accessible to students, faculty, and visitors, fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit. The arena's design retains an intimate atmosphere, with steep seating that places fans close to the action. This creates a unique and exciting game-day experience, where the energy of the crowd can have a tangible impact on the players. The student section, known as "The Bench," is particularly renowned for its enthusiasm and unwavering support of the Golden Bears. Over the years, Haas Pavilion has been the site of numerous memorable moments in UC Berkeley athletics history. From thrilling basketball games to high-flying gymnastics performances, the arena has witnessed countless displays of skill, determination, and teamwork. It has also hosted concerts and other special events, further solidifying its role as a central gathering place for the campus community. The Pavilion's history is rich with tradition. Originally, the Gymnasium for Men, it was renamed Harmon Gym in 1959 to honor A.K.P. Harmon, who provided funds for Cal's first indoor athletic facility. In 1987, the basketball court was named Pete Newell Court, after the coach who led the Golden Bears to the 1959 national championship. The renovation in the late 1990s, costing $57.5 million, was carefully designed to maintain the intimacy and noise level of the old Harmon Gym, while doubling the seating capacity. Sound-baffling devices were intentionally omitted to enhance the crowd noise, creating a daunting environment for visiting teams. The student seating was doubled, with approximately 900 courtside seats. Haas Pavilion has seen many iconic moments, including the 2009 Centennial Celebration of Cal Basketball, the 2008 Pac-10 Women's Basketball attendance record of 10,525 fans, ESPN's College Gameday broadcast in 2009, and a 2018 women's basketball clash with top-ranked UConn, drawing over 10,000 fans. During the renovation, the basketball teams temporarily relocated to the Kaiser Convention Center and Oakland Arena. The facility includes modern amenities for athletes, such as expanded locker rooms, a weight room, and an athletic training facility. The Haas Club Room, overlooking Evans Baseball Diamond, provides a spacious banquet area. The arena features two high-resolution video boards and more than 50 television monitors throughout the building. The Haas Pavilion is fully accessible and provides a wide range of services and amenities for guests with special needs. The suggested path of travel is through Entry 1 on the first level of Haas Pavilion. An elevator is available on the Northwest side of the arena. While attending events, certain items are permitted, including bags that comply with the bag policy, cameras with lenses 6 inches or shorter, diaper bags accompanying a child, food and fruit (must be cut into pieces), guide, signal and service dogs, soft plastic bottles, seat cushions, strollers, and umbrellas. Prohibited items include alcohol, animals (except service dogs), artificial noisemakers, bags/purses larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, balloons, balls or other projectiles, banners/signs, derogatory clothing, flammable liquids, flares, fireworks, glass/metal bottles, and laser pointers. Today, Haas Pavilion continues to be a vital part of the UC Berkeley campus, hosting a variety of athletic events, concerts, and other special occasions. Its rich history, intimate atmosphere, and central location make it a beloved landmark for students, alumni, and sports fans alike. Whether you're cheering on the Golden Bears or attending a special event, Haas Pavilion offers a unique and memorable experience that captures the spirit of UC Berkeley.