HONOLULU – Twenty years ago this week, the Stan Sheriff Center hosted its inaugural University of Hawai`i sporting event and became the "Home Of The 'Bows."
 
On Oct. 21, 1994, the Rainbow Wahine volleyball team defeated San Jose State in four sets (15-4, 12-15, 15-2, 15-6) as the arena was successfully dedicated.
 
On Friday, Oct. 24, at 7:00 p.m., UH will commemorate 20 years of sports and special events in the arena by hosting a women's volleyball match against the alma mater (Cal Poly) of the man whose name adorns the building, Stan Sheriff, the former UH athletics director (1983-92) who spearheaded the construction of the arena before passing away in 1992.
 
A special on-court ceremony will be held at intermission of Friday's volleyball match to commemorate the arena's 20 years of serving as a sports and entertainment venue for the people of Hawai`i.
 
Also, in honor of the occasion, the H-Zone store in the Stan Sheriff Center will offer 20% off on all apparel beginning at 6:00 p.m. (when the arena gates open) and extending through the end of the match. The discount can't be combined with other promotions or discounts.
 
The Stan Sheriff Center, rightfully named after the man who lobbied for its construction, has served as the home of the UH men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams and hosted several memorable events during the past two decades.
 
The arena has a capacity of 10,300, making it the largest venue in the Big West Conference and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. The arena stands 113 feet tall and is capped by an aluminum dome. The two concourse levels cover a total of 187,000 square feet.
 
Dave Shoji, UH head women's volleyball coach
"The Stan Sheriff Center is the jewel of the UH Athletics Department and looks like it just opened this year. There are amazing volleyball memories there, most good but some bad."
 
Rich Sheriff, Stan Sheriff Center manager and son of Stan Sheriff
"The Stan Sheriff Center is a source of enormous pride for the entire Sheriff family. To see your father's vision become a reality and impact so many lives in such a positive manner is truly awe inspiring."
 
Jim Leahey, long-time broadcaster of UH televised events
"The Stan Sheriff Center is the only name this wonderful arena could have. Stan (Sheriff) gave his life to the building and Rich (Sheriff) has done a wonderful job taking care of it."
 
Bobby Curran, long-time radio broadcaster of UH sporting events
"The completion of the Stan Sheriff Center was a passage for UH into big-time athletics. It was the first time the athletics program had a venue worthy of the spector of first-rate athletics."
 
Ben Jay, UH athletics director
"The Stan Sheriff Center has been the site of incredible collegiate competition over the last two decades, as well as serving as an entertainment venue for other special events. We're proud to commemorate its service to our community and honor the man who helped make it possible with his vision and passion, Stan Sheriff."
 
Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, UH associate athletics director/SWA
"It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since we opened the arena with the 'A Night to Remember' gala in gowns and tuxedos. We have witnessed excellent volleyball, thrilling moments, deafening fans, and great players."