The Stetson men's basketball team has called the J. Ollie
Edmunds Center home since 1974, but the Hatters have been anything but gracious
hosts to their opponents. For the past 34 years, the Hatters have had just one
losing season at home and have won 67 percent of their games, posting a 314-154
all-time record.
The Edmunds Center opened its doors on Dec. 5, 1974, as Hatter
fans witnessed a 73-58 Stetson victory over Marshall. SU went on to win the next game,
and the next, and the next. In fact, the Hatters went a perfect 16-0 at home
that season, and they won their first 20 consecutive games played at the Edmunds Center.
Maintaining a top-notch athletic facility is a continual
process, and the work at the Edmunds
Center has been at a pace
to keep up with the development of the athletic program itself.
Over the years, the Edmunds Center
has received a number of physical modifications and equipment upgrades. The
scoreboards, shot clocks, bleachers, bench seating, illuminated media tables,
floor design and lobby showcase have all recently been upgraded. New chairs
were purchased for the team bench areas in 1998. In 1999, NBA-style baskets
were added. In 2000, the maplewood
floor was completely sanded and repainted, and new scoreboards were installed.
In 2002, banners were hung in the Edmunds
Center rafters for each
member of the Stetson Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2005, new bleachers were
installed in the east side of the arena.
The floor was originally installed eight seasons ago to
replace an old tartan surface. The new floor, which covers both the main court
and secondary court, cost approximately $130,000 with the inclusion of bleacher
repair.
Eight modern locker rooms are housed in the Edmunds Center, among them the men's and women's
basketball, men's and women's soccer, softball and volleyball locker rooms.
Also home to Stetson women's basketball and volleyball, the Edmunds Center houses coaches and staff offices.
In addition, the complex contains a crew team workout facility, dressing rooms,
a ticket office and an athletic training room.
The Edmunds
Center was home to the
men's 1991 and 1996 Trans America Athletic Conference Tournaments as well as
the women's tournament in 1997. It also served as training camp site for the
Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association in 1992 and 1993, and
hosted the NCAA Volleyball Tournament First Round in 1996.
Directions to the Edmunds
Center
From Orlando/Tampa (I-4 Eastbound)
Take the first DeLand Exit (114) and turn left on State Road
472. Travel approximately three miles and fork right onto Highway 17/92, which
becomes Woodland Boulevard.
Travel through downtown DeLand (5 miles) to the Stetson campus area and turn
right on Pennsylvania Ave.
The Edmunds Center is on the left and parking is on
the right.
From Jacksonville
(I-95 Southbound)
Take the Speedway Blvd. Exit (261) and head west
approximately 20 miles into DeLand. Pass the Holiday Inn and turn left on Amelia Ave. Go to
the second stoplight and turn right on Pennsylvania Ave. The Edmunds Center
is on the right and parking is on the left.
From Miami
(I-95 Northbound)
Take exit 249 and head west on State Road 44 approximately
20 miles into DeLand. SR 44 becomes New York Ave. Turn right on Amelia Ave. and
continue to the third stop light. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave. The Edmunds Center
is on the right and parking is on the left.
From Ocala
(I-75)
Take Exit 358 and head east on State Road 326. Travel
approximately 15 miles and turn left on State Road 40. Travel approximately 45
miles and turn right on US Highway 17. Travel approximately 15 miles into
DeLand. US 17 becomes Woodland Blvd. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave. The Edmunds Center
is on the left and parking is on the right.