Combine an arena that’s specifically designed for basketball, add the history and tradition of Hoosier Hysteria, and what do you have? Roberts Stadium, the 11,600-seat home for University of Evansville basketball.
Roberts is 55 years old, but thanks to a total makeover 21 years ago, it looks much younger than its age. The arena was built in 1956 and totally renovated inside and out in 1990. The changes turned Roberts Stadium into one of the most fan-friendly basketball arenas in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Roberts has been the site of memorable games for both the UE men and women. From victories over Top 10 teams by the Purple Aces to last-second thrillers, Roberts Stadium has seen it all. In fact, the original Roberts Stadium was the site of every NCAA Division II finals from 1957 through 1977. The reason for Evansville serving as the host was great fan support in the Evansville area.
Evansville hosted the 1983 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament first and second rounds at Roberts Stadium. The Aces’ first Division I post-season appearance at Roberts came in 1988 when they played Utah and Boston College in the NIT. Evansville also hosted an NIT game against Tulane in 1994, and the first two rounds of the Chase NIT in November, 1996. CBS and ESPN have been to Roberts Stadium, and ESPNU made its first trip to Roberts in 2006 for the February 21 UE-Southern Illinois men's game in which the Aces knocked off the eventual MVC Tournament champions by a score of 64-59.
Evansville's Scott Haffner holds the record for the most points scored at Roberts Stadium. His 65 on Feb. 18, 1989 in a 109-83 win over Dayton were the most points scored in any Division I game in the nation in the 1980s.
