UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, originally known as A.J. Palumbo Center, is a 3,500-seat multi-purpose arena in the Uptown area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania served by exits on both Interstate 376 and Interstate 579. The arena originally opened in 1988, and is part of Duquesne University. It is home to both the Duquesne Dukes basketball and volleyball programs. History The facility was originally known as the A.J. Palumbo Center. It was named in honor of its benefactor, Antonio J. Palumbo, who was elected to the Duquesne University board of directors and, in 1987, received an honorary doctorate of Business and Administration from Duquesne. Early renovations In 2006, the Palumbo Center underwent major renovations. In addition to resurfacing the basketball court, upgrading video monitors, and replacing some seating sections, the facility was updated and renovated to include: New men's and women's basketball staff offices Recruiting suite Video breakdown room Strength and conditioning facilities Athletic trainer facilities The center housed the administrative offices for the athletic department and facility management. The center was also open to intramural sports and other recreation groups; however, in 2007, Duquesne University completed a new five-story recreational facility on Forbes Ave. near the A.J. Palumbo Center, which was-then the primary facility for recreational sports and activities. After the 2009-2010 basketball season, Duquesne University began further renovations on the Palumbo Center. A new center-hung scoreboard was installed as well as new corner scoreboards. In addition, then-current bleacher seating on the north end of the arena was replaced with permanent stadium chairs. The University also received $1.8 million in private donations to upgrade the locker rooms for the men's and women's basketball teams and the volleyball team. It was called the James and Janice Schaming Athletic Center, named after the largest donor. UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse Renovation The most extensive renovation began immediately after the 2018–19 basketball season. The project was completed at the start of the 2020–21 school year and the arena was renamed the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The new name stems from a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the family foundation of late Duquesne star Chuck Cooper, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and the first African American selected in an NBA draft. Renovations include new seating, enhanced concession areas, two high-definition video boards, and a new scorer's table and sound system. The facility also houses the Folino Sports Performance Center featuring nearly 10,000 square feet