When you hear “John Paul Jones Arena,” does your mind jump to the Revolutionary War naval hero? Or perhaps a rock star? The truth behind the name of this state-of-the-art venue in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a story of family, dedication, and a profound love for the University of Virginia. John Paul Jones Arena isn’t named after a historical figure or a celebrity, but as a heartfelt tribute from a son to his father.
The arena owes its name to Paul Tudor Jones II, a distinguished 1976 graduate of U.Va., who made a remarkable $35 million commitment to his alma mater for this impressive venue. In return for his generosity, Jones requested the arena be named in honor of his father, John Paul Jones Sr. For Paul Tudor Jones, this was a deeply personal gesture to recognize his father’s life, which he describes as being devoted to four pillars: his faith, his family, the University of Virginia, and the sport of basketball.
John Paul Jones Sr., a 1948 alumnus of the University’s School of Law and a long-time resident of Memphis, embodies a lifelong passion for the University. This passion for UVA is something he shares deeply with his son, Paul. Basketball, in particular, is a bond between them. The younger Jones was a proactive voice in advocating for a modern replacement for the aging University Hall. His initial $20 million pledge in November 2001 was the catalyst that propelled the John Paul Jones Arena project into reality, setting it on a fast track from conception to construction. Ground was broken on May 30, 2003, marking the beginning of a new era for UVA sports and entertainment.
What makes John Paul Jones Arena even more notable is its unique funding model. It stands as the first facility of its kind built by a public university in the United States financed almost entirely through private donations. Upon its completion in the summer of 2006, John Paul Jones Arena also claimed the title of the largest arena in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, a testament to its scale and ambition.
Today, John Paul Jones Arena is the proud home of the University of Virginia’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, energizing fans and athletes alike. Beyond collegiate sports, the arena serves as a premier destination for a diverse array of events. It has hosted a spectacular lineup of world-renowned performers, including music icons like Paul McCartney, Dave Matthews Band, and Taylor Swift, drawing crowds from across the region and beyond.
The versatility of John Paul Jones Arena extends beyond concerts and sporting events. It also accommodates trade shows, career fairs, the popular annual Martha’s Market, and graduation ceremonies for numerous local high schools, including Charlottesville, Albemarle, Monticello, and Goochland High Schools, further embedding itself in the local community fabric.
John Paul Jones Arena’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. It has consistently garnered national accolades, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier venue. Among its prestigious recognitions are:
- 2006 Best New Major Concert Venue – Pollstar Magazine
- 2007 Hall of Headlines Award – Venues Today
- 2007 Facility of Merit Award – Athletic Business
- 2009 Best New College Basketball Arena – Sports Illustrated
- #1 in Social Media Power among Similar Venues in 2013 – Venues Today
- 2014 Green Attraction of the Year – Virginia Green Program
- 2016 Ranked #1 for 10K – 15K University Venues – Venues Today
These awards underscore John Paul Jones Arena’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and its significant impact on the entertainment and sports landscape. It stands as a shining example of what vision, generosity, and dedication can achieve, all while carrying forward a meaningful family legacy.
