A crowd watches a Brock men’s basketball player deliver a layup versus the Western Mustangs in Gym One (now known as Bob Davis Gymnasium) in the 1970s.To mark Brock’s 60th anniversary, the Brock News is running a monthly series looking back at the University’s history through photos.
Brock University has come a long way since the days of Gym One, now known as Bob Davis Gymnasium. Once home to modest bleachers and intimate gatherings of fans, the University’s sports culture has flourished, culminating in large-scale events which draw thousands of spectators to downtown St. Catharines.
The evolution of the Brock Badgers’ crowds reflects the growth of the University and its connection to the Niagara community. Events like the Steel Blade Classic and Paint the Meridian Red have become community celebrations, uniting students, faculty, alumni and local residents in a shared passion for athletic excellence.
Held annually at the Meridian Centre, the Steel Blade Classic has become a must-attend event. This high-energy hockey game pits the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team against fierce competitors, igniting school spirit and showcasing the talent of Brock’s student-athletes.
Equally electric is Paint the Meridian Red, an annual basketball doubleheader featuring the Brock men’s and women’s teams. The Badgers played the first-ever basketball game at the Meridian Centre on Nov. 28, 2015, against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. Since then, the games have become a staple of the University’s athletic calendar.
This year, the Badgers face off against the McMaster Marauders on Friday, Jan. 17. The event features family-friendly activities and free transportation for Brock students with ticket purchases.
A crowd of more than 2,500 fans fill the Meridian Centre to watch the Brock men’s and women’s basketball teams in downtown St. Catharines on an annual basis.
