University of Hartford

ChaseFamily Arena

One of the topfacilities in the America East Conference, Chase Family Arena is hometo the University of Hartford men's and women's basketball teams.

To honor David and Rhoda Chase and their family for an outstanding history of gifts and contributions to the University of Hartford, the University has designated the basketball arena at the Reich Family Pavilion as "The Chase Family Arena." A ceremony to mark the occasion and thank the Chase family was held June 23, 1998.

The naming of the arena commemorates the Chases' most recent donation and pledge to the University. The family's gift of more than $1.2 million will be used to support the general operations of the University. A scholarship at The Hartt School will also be established and funding provided to assist the Hillel Center on campus. This gift brings the Chases' total generosity to the University to almost $2 million.

"Over the years, the Chase family has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting higher education, the arts, and in particular, the University of Hartford. In addition to their financial support, members of the Chase family have volunteered their time serving the University and its colleges in a variety of capacities," said Morton Handel, vice-chairman of the University's Board of Regents.

David Chase, whose connection with the University goes back to his days as an engineering student at Hillyer College (predecessor of the University of Hartford), received an honorary doctorate of commercial science from the University in May 1998. He also served as the first Distinguished Visiting Fellow of the University's Barney School of Business in 1983. As chairman and CEO of Hartford-based Chase Enterprises, he led the expansion of the real estate development and communications company into the financial services and cable television industries in his native Poland.

His wife, Rhoda, is a longtime member of The Hartt School board of trustees. Also honored at the ceremony were Arnold and Sandra Chase, who earned a master's degree in education from the University, and their family and Cheryl A. Chase and her family. "This is certainly the highlight of our long affiliation with the University," Rhoda Chase said to those at the ceremony. "David and I met at UConn, but our affection and affiliation is with this school," she said.

The Chase Arena, which opened in January 1990 and seats3,977 people, is not only home to the University's NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball programs, but also has hosted a variety of community events, from a fund-raiser featuring Christopher Reeve and a Bob Dylan concert to business expositions and a variety of sports clinics.

Other featured events held at Chase Arena include a jersey-retirement ceremony for NBA All-Star and former University of Hartford basketball player Vin Baker and a sports card show with Jeff Bagwell, former University of Hartford baseball star and National League MVP in 1994 with the Houston Astros. The arena was also used by the U.S. Women's Olympic basketball team for practices and a clinic. Area high school graduations, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center's annual "Miracles" dinner, and various musical concerts are also held there. The arena annually hosts about 25 external events that draw nearly 100,000 people.