The public received its first look at Gannon University’s “new” Highmark Events Center, located at 620 Peach St., during a blessing and dedication ceremony Wednesday morning.
The blessing and dedication ceremony concludes a year-long renovation of the historic building that was originally known as the Gannon Auditorium and affectionately referred to as “The Audi” by longtime Gannon faithful. The facility was rededicated and renamed the Hammermill Center – “The Mill” – in February of 1983 in honor of the generosity of the then Hammermill Paper Co.
Wednesday’s ceremony precedes the first two games to be played there in more than a year. The women’s basketball game tips off at 5:30 p.m. and the men’s game begins at 7:30 p.m.
The celebrations will continue when the Gannon women’s wrestling team hits the mat for the first time in the modernized space on Friday, Jan. 17, and the men’s wrestling team competes on Saturday, Jan. 18.
The $12 million renovation of the 36,560-square-foot facility began in January 2024 with a focus on modernizing key features of the venue – from the heating and cooling systems to the lighting and sound systems. There is also a refreshed court design, and a large video screen has been added to the building’s exterior, which can be seen from nearby Perry Square.
These changes not only enhance the functionality of the space but also create an atmosphere that will inspire the next generation of athletes and supporters.
In addition to new locker rooms and other amenities, the unveiling of the facility will also offer the public its first look at a refreshed brand for the Gannon Golden Knights. New wordmarks, monograms and a customized typeface supplement the use of the longtime Gannon Knight logo throughout the facility, aligning the athletic programs and highlighting the Highmark as “Our House.”
The Highmark Events Center is home to the university’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, acrobatics and tumbling, and competitive cheer and dance teams. The enhancements reflect Gannon’s commitment to providing exceptional facilities that meet the needs of Gannon’s nearly 700 student-athletes while continuing to serve as a gathering place for the Erie community.
“The Highmark Events Center is more than just a building; it is a symbol of Gannon’s commitment to fostering community, supporting our students and creating spaces that inspire excellence,” said Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., Gannon University president. “We are deeply grateful to Highmark for their partnership and to everyone who contributed to this project.”
Lisa Goddard McGuirk, director of Gannon Athletics, added: “The renovations to the Highmark Events Center have elevated this facility to a premier venue that will serve our student-athletes and the community for years to come.”
The project was made possible by a 10-year naming rights agreement with Highmark Inc. that was announced in 2022. Highmark Inc. is one of America’s leading health insurance companies and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Highmark Inc. is part of Highmark Health, a national blended health and wellness organization that also includes Allegheny Health Network and Erie’s AHN Saint Vincent Hospital.
“Highmark Health and its subsidiary organizations have a long history of service to the greater Erie region, and we pride ourselves on establishing partnerships with institutions like Gannon University, that share our values and commitment to the health and vibrancy of the communities that we call home,” said Karl McFadden, regional Vice President for Highmark. “We look forward to the positive impact this beautiful new facility will have on the Gannon student body and faculty, the city’s downtown renaissance, and residents throughout Erie who will enjoy sporting and other entertainment activities here for generations to come.”
The relationship between Highmark and Gannon creates another visible change to the downtown landscape and Perry Square. The facility has been the front porch of the university’s Erie campus for 70 years, drawing crowds of up to 2,800 people not only for athletic events but for many other community lectures, concerts, camps, events and programs – all bringing people downtown and supporting our regional small businesses and economy.
The facility has been the home for Golden Knight teams since the basketball programs began playing there during the 1949-50 season. For the past year, Gannon’s basketball and volleyball teams have played at the nearby Hagerty Family Events Center at Cathedral Preparatory School and the wrestling teams have competed at Gannon’s Recreation and Wellness Center.
“I can’t thank our friends at Prep enough for providing us a ‘home away from home’ during this transformational project,” Goddard McGuirk said. “And what a temporary home it has been. Our basketball teams went 41-0 while they played there, and our volleyball team was 12-2. All three programs claimed NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships to conclude outstanding seasons.”
The Highmark Events Center at Gannon University is the third facility in the tri-state area to bear Highmark’s name, including Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., the home of the Buffalo Bills, and Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, the home of the Riverhounds soccer team. This project is a signature in Gannon’s Believe. Inspire. Transform: Gannon’s Next Century campaign, adding to the momentum toward the $100 million goal.
General contracting was overseen by Building Systems, Inc. Architectural design was executed by The Collaborative. This new brand was developed locally with the assistance of Route 1A Advertising.
