The UMBC Event Center has become synonymous with high-level athletic play, premier entertainment, and university milestones since opening in 2018. This spring, UMBC has officially announced the beginning of a new chapter for the Event Center—a new name.
The Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, a new partnership between UMBC and Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, will open doors for both the university and the facility.
“The partnership between UMBC and Chesapeake Employers Insurance represents not only an investment in our campus, but also in the region. This is an opportunity to elevate our facility, our University, and our local economy,” says President Freeman Hrabowski.
Partnering for success
In addition to naming rights, this partnership establishes a platform for UMBC and Chesapeake Employers Insurance to engage in additional collaborations, including opportunities for student internships and hiring, and applied research projects.
“We at Chesapeake Employers Insurance are honored to partner with a premier University System of Maryland institution such as UMBC,” says Tom Phelan, CEO of Chesapeake Employers Insurance. “This partnership bridges our corporation with UMBC students, staff, and alumni to form a symbiotic relationship with shared values and a commitment to excellence relevant to education and business.”
The 172,000 square-foot facility can accommodate 4,700 patrons for sporting events and nearly 6,000 for other events. Home to both men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball, all student-athletes are able to use the building’s academic, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and other athletics’ department services.
“We are building a program where we can celebrate community, while we help welcome new students and prepare them for meaningful careers and welcome alumni home,” says Brian Barrio, director of athletics. “This building, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, is a central part of that vision. And great visions require great partners.”
Featured image: CEO Tom Phelan and President Freeman Hrabowski. All photos by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC. Video by UMBC’s New Media Studio.
Article written by Steve Levy, associate athletic director for athletic communications, and Kait McCaffrey, communications manager, for UMBC News.
Tags: Athletics
