The Carrier Dome opened on this day in 1980. The Dome is home to a number of Syracuse sports, including Men's and Women's basketball. It is named for the Carrier Corporation, which donated about 10% of the construction cost.
It is the largest on-campus basketball arena in the nation.
Red Auerbach was born on this date in 1917, in New York City. A standout high school player in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, Auerbach earned a scholarship to play basketball at George Washington University. He was known as was a defensive specialist for Colonials' basketball, and was the leading scorer and team captain during his senior season.
Following graduation he remained a GW basketball season ticket holder until his death in 2006, and a banner and red seat honor him at the newly renovated Smith Center.
Following his days at George Washington, he of course would go on to become a legendary coach in the NBA. But this blog is about college – so Auerbach is, and was, a George Washington baller.
Other birthdays include: Dave Twardzik 1950 (Old Dominion), Jim Johnstone 1960 (Wake Forest), and Vernon Macklin 1986 (Florida)
Musician of the day: Ben Shepard, bass player for Soundgarden, who turns 44 today.
