‘Symbol of tradition’: UTSA Athletics to mark 50th birthday of Convocation Center

AUGUST 6, 2025 — The Convocation Center, where the UTSA men’s and women’s basketball teams made their debut in 1981, where national premier events have been hosted, games have been won and lost and Roadrunner spirit triumphed, turns 50 this year.

Built in 1975, “The Convo” is one of the first structures to go up on UTSA’s main campus and today serves as home court for the UTSA men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams.

The opening of the Convocation Center came well before the start of Roadrunners Athletics, which began in 1981 with basketball, followed by volleyball in 1983. The facility has served as a home for those sport programs, in addition to the UTSA Cheer and Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) band programs.

“It’s a powerful opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and look forward the promising future for UTSA Athletics.”

— Lisa Campos

The Convocation Center while it was under construction in 1974.

Rudy Davalos, an assistant coach and director of player personnel for the San Antonio Spurs, joined UTSA on Sept. 1, 1976, as the university’s first athletics director.

In recognition of his contributions to the program, Davalos will be inducted into the UTSA Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, during the Convo’s anniversary year. 

Also, as part of the recognition of the Convocation Center’s 50th year, the basketball and volleyball programs will host alumni events to welcome back their decorated alumni. UTSA Athletics will be publishing stories on its digital and social media platforms this fall featuring conversations with Athletics alumni looking back at some of the most exciting sports moments in Convocation Center history. 

Rudy Davalos in 1976, a year after The Convo opened on the Main Campus.

As UTSA celebrates this historic milestone, the Convocation Center remains a symbol of tradition, achievement and the relentless Roadrunner spirit, said Lisa Campos, UTSA vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics.

“We are excited to celebrate 50 years of the Convocation Center this fall,” Campos said. “This milestone arrives at a meaningful time, as we honor Rudy Davalos’ enduring legacy and prepare to open our state-of-the-art Basketball and Volleyball Training Facility next year. It’s a powerful opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and look forward the promising future for UTSA Athletics.”

Throughout its history, The Convo has hosted numerous premier events, including the 1993 United States Olympic Festival Volleyball Tournament, the 2002 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School All-Star Game, the 2004 Nike Hoops Summit, and NCAA Women’s Basketball First and Second Round games in 2021.

UTSA's Jordyn Jenkins out-jumps Abilene Christian's defenders for a basket in a game at the Convocation Center in November 2022.

Left: UTSA's Atem Bior goes for a layup in a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Convocation Center in November 2018. Right: UTSA's Derrick Gervin skies for a jump shot over Rice defenders in a game at the Convocation Center in December 1984.

Most recently, it was the site of UTSA’s first-ever postseason women’s basketball victory in the 2024 Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. The venue also has welcomed multiple conference basketball and volleyball championships.

A new era in UTSA Athletics starts in fall 2026 with the opening of a cutting-edge Basketball and Volleyball Training Facility to complement the Convocation Center in providing first-class support to student-athletes. 

— Sean Cartell