FAYETTEVILLE — One of the first homes of Arkansas basketball is now a multi-million dollar performing arts center.
The University of Arkansas opened the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on Friday. The center is named for Jim and Joyce Faulkner who gave $6 million of the $22.5 million to renovate the facility, which will host up to 200 mostly ensemble and vocal performances each year.
The building was built as the Razorbacks' basketball arena in 1937 and served as their home until Barnhill Arena opened in 1954.
Arkansas won its first 16 games in the 3,500-seat arena, including all 11 games played in the inaugural season.