The Lady Knights will be the first team to play at the Gannon University's new Highmark Events Center.

A joyous celebration took place at Gannon University. Faculty, alumni, and students attended the blessing and dedication ceremony of the historic building originally known as the Gannon Auditorium.

After the ceremony, the women's basketball team and the men's basketball team get to play on their court for the first time in more than a year.

"This is a downtown destination, this is a place to have events, this is a place to bring the community together, and we can't wait to share it," said Dr. Walter Iwanenko Jr., President of Gannon University. 

It's been over a year since the renovations began. University officials say the improvements to the auditorium enhance functionality as well as refresh the university's brand.

"We also changed the seating, lighting, sound system; there's all kinds of new technology, a new video board," said Walter. 

The facility is about 75 years old. It needed a roof upgrade as well as an upgrade to the HVAC system.

President Iwanenko states these types of renovations do not happen without community partnerships. The generosity from Highmark made the updates possible.

"And when you blend in education and health, it really makes so much sense. It's about helping people live a healthy life," said Karl McFadden, Regional Vice President of Highmark. 

McFadden says he thinks the improvements at the Events Center will bring more people to Erie and enrich the area. I spoke to the women's basketball coach to ask how the team was feeling.

"Well, when they saw it for the first time, they were blown away, absolutely blown away," said Cleve Wright, Women's Basketball Coach. "So, it's exciting to have our home court back, to be in this wonderful facility that has so much history."

University officials say the new atmosphere will inspire the new generations of athletes and supporters.