Opened 40 years ago in 1985, it is the home of Patriot men's & women's basketball, and is a venue for concerts and family shows, with 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of space.

Financing for the construction of the Patriot Center was part of GMU's revenue bond package approved by the Virginia General Assembly in 1982.

[11] The official opening of the arena was five months later on October 4, when the Washington Bullets hosted the New York Knicks in an NBA pre-season game, which was the professional debut of future hall of fame center Patrick Ewing, the first overall selection of the 1985 NBA draft out of nearby Georgetown University.

The arena underwent a $10 million renovation, completed in 2009, that added new concession stands, hospitality area, locker rooms and bathrooms, and an improved main concourse.

[14] Leonsis' group increased their ownership of Washington Sports to 44% when they bought out minority owner Arnold Heft in January 2000.

The Patriot Center hosted the sold-out UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz on January 11, 2010.