Pope Foundation Completes $4.5-million Grant to Campbell Convocation Center

Campbell University’s new convocation center in Buies Creek, North Carolina, is due in large part to the generosity of the John William Pope Foundation.

To honor the life of John William Pope Jr., who passed away in 2004, the Pope Foundation made a five-year commitment totaling $4.5 million to help construct the center. Campbell University has the details in this press release:

The state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility will seat about 3,100 spectators for athletic events and up to 5,000 for special events such as concerts, graduation activities and other community gatherings. In addition to the main arena, the center includes a student fitness center, training and weight rooms, practice facility, sport locker rooms, athletic offices, a hospitality room, labs and classrooms for the exercise science department and the Campbell Sports Hall of Fame. The center will also house the volleyball and wrestling teams.

The university expects the center to benefit Campbell athletics fans, students who use the facilities and the residents of Buies Creek and Harnett County. The building is one of the largest constructed in Harnett county and has become a symbol of pride for the area. Campbell has already committed to holding graduation ceremonies for Harnett County public schools.

John William Pope Jr. graduated from Campbell in 1975. The Foundation’s gift was made in his memory.

“My brother, John, loved athletics and our family is honored to be a part of this world-class facility,” said Art Pope.