// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Highmark Events Center say to the crowd? "Mark my words

Highmark Events Center

"The Mill"
Interactive map of Highmark Events Center
Full name	Highmark Events Center
Former names	Gannon Auditorium (1949–1983), The Hammermill (1983–2021)
Location	620 Peach St, Erie, Pennsylvania
Capacity	2,800
Record attendance	3,200
Construction
Opened	1949-50 Season

The Highmark Events Center (formerly The Hammermill, the Gannon Auditorium, and "The Audi") is a 2,800-seat basketball arena on the campus of Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Built in 1949, it is home to various Gannon athletic teams.

History

The arena was opened in 1949 as the Gannon Auditorium, or "The Audi".

It was renamed the Hammermill Center in February 1983 after the Hammermill Paper Company donated money to repair and improve the arena. In February 2022, it was renamed Highmark Events Center after Highmark Health, which donated money for a $10 million renovation.

The 36,560-square-foot center is home to the university’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, acrobatics and tumbling, and competitive cheer teams. Other events held there have included community lectures, concerts, camps, events and programs.

Attendance

Year	Total attendance	Avg. attendance	Conf. ranking	National ranking
2000-01^	30,988	1,823	1	30
2001-02^	33,981	2,124	1	20
2002-03^	29,525	1,845	1	27
2003-04^	31,234	1,837	1	26
2004-05^	23,615	1,574	2	NR
2005-06^	20,122	1,184	3	NR
2006-07^	17,074	1,220	2	NR
2007-08^	26,773	1,575	1	22
2008-09^^	38,583	1,754	1	24
2009-10^^	17,594	1,035	2	NR

^ Member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)

^^ Member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)