A "Red Sea" of more than 400 students, faculty, staff, and community members flooded the long-awaited grand opening of the new Leo D. Mahoney Arena earlier today, Nov. 18. Music from Star 99.9 set the scene, along with the delicious aroma of Tasty Yolk breakfast sandwiches and excited chatter from the crowd.

Among the day’s speakers were FUSA President Jordan Gale ’23 and VP Aliyah Seenauth ’24 sporting matching Fairfield sneakers; Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J.; Town of Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick; Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann; and University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD.

Getting somewhat emotional, Schlickmann said it “took his breath away” to be standing in front of so many excited students and Fairfield community members. Gale was excited for all students to "come together once again as the Red Sea — being able to share Fairfield's school spirit with everyone. And we're excited to have a jam-packed student section in the arena, cheering on our Stags."

Students busted through a "Return of the Red Sea Madness" banner and kicked off the search for more than 30 Golden Tickets and prizes hidden somewhere in the 85,000-square-foot, 3,500-seat, multi-use arena.

Tonight, the Fairfield women’s basketball team will play the first official game on the Mahoney Arena's hardwood court against Stonehill College at 7 p.m.

Season and single game tickets for the 2022-23 Fairfield men's and women's basketball season are now on sale at FairfieldStags.com/TIX. All tickets for the 2022-23 Fairfield Basketball season will be digital and fans will have access to an online account to manage tickets throughout the season.

For additional questions regarding arena ticket sales please email stagstickets@fairfield.edu or call 203-254-4136.