Ashe Athletic Center
Arthur Ashe Jr. was a talented tennis player who crossed racial barriers to become the first African-American to champion a Grand Slam title. Subsequent to his early retirement from professional tennis, Ashe became a humanitarian, an advocate of social justice, and an author. Ashe was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and it is only fitting that his hometown would honor his legacy.
The Ashe Athletic Center was built in 1982 and named for Arthur Ashe Jr. The funeral of the tennis star was held in the facility. Although 6,500 attended the funeral of Arthur Ashe Jr. at the center, the facility actually has a general seating capacity of 6,000. The facility was originally designed to be built on a high school campus and serve as a public gymnasium. The local school board eventually decided to build the facility in honor of one of their favorite sons for the purpose of sports and other events.
The Ashe Athletic Center, designed by Moseley-Hening Associates at an estimated cost of more than $3 million, is equipped to hold just about any type of sporting event. Local basketball games are popular at the event. The seats of the center are adjustable and can be moved to prepare for indoor sports that use a track. When the seats of the facility are moved for the track, the seating limit is decreased to about 4,000. The center is also used for community events, such as shows, cultural specials, and conventions.
