POUR OUT A LITTLE

While we're discussing AU history, I am proud to announce that we at this blog will from now on be refering to the building known as "Bender Arena" as the "Marc Splaver Center" in honor of the man the building should have been named after. I encourage all of you to please do the same, as Mr. and Mrs. Bender don't need your recognition any more.

Thanks for nothing, Abe Pollin.

The Washington Post
May 20, 1978, Saturday, Final Edition
SECTION: Sports; D5
Splaver Center Planned at AU

Abe Pollin, chairman of the board of Capital Centre and president of the Washington Bullets, along with his wife, Irene, will lead a nationwide drive to raise funds to build a sports and convocation center on the American University campus, it was announced yesterday.

The center will be named for Marc Splaver, former Bullets director of public relations. Splaver died May 3 of leukemia. A graduate of AU, Splaver served as the school's sports information director before joining the Bullets.

The amount of money to be raised and the timetable for construction of the center have not been determined.

American has only a small practice gymnasium and plays its basketball games at Fort Myer.

Such a facility has been discussed since 1947, according to AU Athletic Director Bob Frailey, and sketches were first prepared in 1949. The school's board of trustees last week gave the building priority as the next structure to be built on the campus.   @ 5:46 PM