Full Breakdown
Sacramento State Hornets Debut in New Hornet Pavilion
11/5/2025, 11:45:34 AM
Opening of Hornet Pavilion
Sacramento State University has officially opened the Hornet Pavilion, a new basketball arena that significantly enhances the facilities available to its men's and women's basketball teams. The venue, which can accommodate nearly 3,000 fans, replaces the outdated Nest, which had been in use since the 1940s and had a capacity of just over 1,000. The Hornet Pavilion features modern amenities, including LED screens and a new sound system, and is part of a $10 million investment in the university's athletic infrastructure.
Historic Performances in the Inaugural Games
The women's basketball team made history by defeating Stanton University 124-39 in the first game held at the Hornet Pavilion. This victory not only marked a record 85-point margin, surpassing the previous program record of 71 points set in 1974, but also gave head coach Aaron Kallhoff his 100th career win. The Hornets showcased a dominant performance, recording 26 steals and scoring 51% of their points off turnovers. Senior guard Natalie Picton led the scoring with 18 points, while sophomore Brooklyn Taylor contributed 19 points off the bench.
In the men's season opener, head coach Mike Bibby led the Hornets to a 103-79 victory over Dominican University of the Bay Area. The game was notable for being the highest-attended home game in the program's 77-year history, with over 2,300 fans in attendance. Key players included Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Community and Athletic Director Responses
Sacramento State Athletic Director Mark Orr expressed enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, "It feels like a Division I venue," and emphasized the importance of creating an engaging atmosphere for fans. Bibby echoed this sentiment, aiming to cultivate an environment akin to that of Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium, where fan engagement is critical to team success. He noted, “You win, and people will come and watch. You’ve got to put a good product out there on the court.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sacramento State aims to construct an on-campus basketball arena to further enhance its athletic offerings. Orr indicated that while the Hornet Pavilion is a significant step forward, the university is committed to exploring all options for future expansion. The Hornets will continue their season with a home game against the Nevada Wolfpack on November 6, 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is 110% better than the Nest,” — Mike Bibby, Head Coach, Sacramento State Men's Basketball
- “I felt like we had a bunch of people that played really unselfish basketball,” — Aaron Kallhoff, Head Coach, Sacramento State Women's Basketball
- “It’s been a long time coming.” — Mike Bibby, Head Coach, Sacramento State Men's Basketball
- “COLLEGE BASKETBALL IS SUPPOSED TO BE FANS CLOSE TO THE COURT, STUDENTS CLOSE TO THE COURT STANDING UP AND CHEERING.” — Mark Orr, Athletic Director, Sacramento State
Conclusion
The opening of the Hornet Pavilion marks a new chapter for Sacramento State's basketball programs, providing a modern venue that enhances the fan experience and supports the teams' aspirations for success. With strong performances in their inaugural games, both the men's and women's teams have set a promising tone for the season ahead.
