HIGH POINT – The Hight Point University Board of Trustees voted to honor university President Nido Qubein and First Lady Mariana Qubein by naming the new basketball and conference facility the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.

The plan for the project includes a small hotel adjacent to the arena and conference center to facilitate majors in hospitality and event planning and to host executive groups and alumni, students, families and school counselors. The university is selecting a site from several campus-owned possibilities as architects finalize plans.

“Dr. Qubein’s visionary leadership has ignited the ‘against all odds’ transformation that has taken place at High Point University,” said Dr. Richard Vert, immediate past chair of the university Board of Trustees.

“This facility will support a student body that has tripled in undergraduate enrollment, flourishing new programs in health sciences and pharmacy, Division I sports teams and major university events that draw thousands of attendees. Naming this university facility in the Qubein family’s honor is a symbol of the board’s profound gratitude and appreciation for their leadership, service, and above all, their unwavering belief and commitment that High Point University could become an internationally recognized and sought-after institution.”

“Even his philanthropic support and $10 million gift to HPU have been recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac as the third highest donor university president in the country from 2006-2016. At the same time, HPU has raised more than $300 million during his tenure. In every capacity President Qubein has led the way.”

The new building will become the home of Hight Point University’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as a venue for major events, speakers, concerts, entertainment, academic symposia and recreational activities.

The arena will seat 4,500 spectators and include luxury suites, locker rooms, staff offices, concession stands, a merchandising area, media suite, film room, press conference room, weight room, athletic training room, hospitality area, audio and video equipment, ticket office and practice gym.

The conference center will provide event space for growing undergraduate and graduate programs, student groups and community organizations. It will seat up to 2,500 individuals and have the ability to be subdivided into smaller venues with lighting, sound and video for presentations.

The hotel will provide 30-40 residential rooms with dining facilities and meeting rooms.

“I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and the HPU family for this honor,” said President Qubein. “High Point University continues to grow in impactful ways, and these facilities will benefit both HPU and the city of High Point measurably for generations to come.”

The project is expected to cost $100 million.