Dr. Angelo Armenti, President of Cal U, stated in the groundbreaking ceremony that the center "will be a landmark building for our campus,”and “Besides meeting the University’s needs, it will serve as a cultural resource and contribute to the economic vitality of Southwestern Pennsylvania.” On August 3, 2010, a topping-off ceremony was held at the construction site to mark the placement of the final of the forty-six steel trusses on the building's frame.

The Convocation Center officially opened for basketball action on December 3, 2011, with both the men's and women's teams defeating Mansfield University.

The project's large size had been questioned before construction began, including by a university consultant who recommended building the arena with 3,500 seats.

[3] A "grand opening" concert by Kenny Rogers in April 2012 attracted only a half-capacity audience, leading to renewed questions about the scale and cost of the project.

[2] In May 2012, university president Angelo Armenti was fired by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors; among the issues cited in reports of this action were concerns about the financing and financial impact of the convocation center.