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CHARLOTTESVILLE — University Hall, the former home of Virginia Cavaliers men’s and women’s basketball for more than four decades, met its end on a cloudless Saturday here this morning at the hands of the two best student-athletes to ever play there and those of the architect of the future of UVA sports.
The implosion took place promptly at 10 a.m. as scheduled. Ralph Sampson, Dawn Staley, and athletic director Carla Williams pushed the plunger to set off the chain reaction to bring the building to the ground.
— Virginia Athletics Foundation (@UVA_VAF) May 25, 2019
The arena’s famous ribbed concrete roof appeared to collapse without a hitch, leaving behind a massive cloud of dust and three generations of memories. The noise from the blasts could be heard nearly two miles away.
And now: A new view. pic.twitter.com/nkaOiOutEV
— Brad Franklin (@Cavs_Corner) May 25, 2019
Scores of alumni were on hand for the festivities, both Friday night and Saturday.
Group shot of notable #UVA alumni waiting for the implosion of U-Hall. pic.twitter.com/G1JEWgFByl
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) May 25, 2019
Lotta great stories being thrown around on the eve of U-Hall demolition day at @RalphSampson50’s #LastCallForUHall. Never saw a game in that building, but these great folks brought it all to life for me. #EndofAnEra #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/tyhcCmI8HA
— Dave Koehn (@wahoovoice) May 25, 2019
Thank you and farewell, U-Hall.
Caroline Darney contributed from Philadelphia.