UH basketball wins as they say goodbye to Hofheinz Pavilion
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A sellout crowd was on hand this Sunday afternoon for the University of Houston's final home basketball game of the season.
The fans came out to see more than just a game, they came to see the end of an era.
Sunday was the final game in the history of Hofheinz Pavilion, a building that hosted the Cougars since 1969.
The historic day entertained UH fans young and old.
It started with honoring five members of the UH basketball team playing in their final game.
Fred Hofheinz and Dene Hofheinz, the children of the late Harris County Judge Roy Hofheinz, presented a game ball to start the game.
Halftime activities included a groundbreaking ceremony at half court with President Renu Khator, UH System Board of Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta, and Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yurachek of the new Fertitta Center.
UH did beat East Carolina 73-51 to secure the 3rd seed in the American Conference Tournament.
After the game, members of past UH basketball teams passed a ball that ended with a Hakeem Olajuwon slam-dunk.
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UH will play in the $60 million arena named the Fertitta Center starting the 2018-19 season.
According to UH, Hofheinz Pavilion hosted more than 3.4 million fans, watching more than 700 Men's basketball games.
The building will change, but the memories will live on.
