In 1987, self-made millionaire George Rothman, along with his wife Phyllis, decided that it was time to give something back to the Bergen County Community. Their gift, in the form of a $1 million donation to Fairleigh Dickinson University saw the building which bears their name erected. The buulding was renamed the Bogota Savings Bank Center in 2024.
The dedication date for the opening of The George and Phyllis Rothman Center, Sept. 9, 1987, fell exactly two years from the groundbreaking ceremony. The Rothman Center provides all FDU students-athletes with an outstanding recreation facility and serves as the headquarters of the University's Division I basketball program and other varsity sports. In its brief existence, the Rothman Center has made history, hosting dignitaries such as President George H. W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, wife of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, Leah Rabin, Maya Angelou and most recently in 2009, President Barack Obama .
Fairleigh Dickinson University honored the leadership and generosity of alumna Mary Kay Stratis on Friday, February 9, 2007, by naming the athletic venue inside the Rothman Center: the Stratis Arena.
A University trustee, an advocate for FDU student-athletes and a member of the Athletic Advisory Council, Stratis has been a generous benefactor to the University for 30 years. A Fairleigh Dickinson University graduate (B.A., M.A.T.), Stratis supports and tirelessly advocates the Elia G. Stratis Memorial Scholarship Fund as well as many other University initiatives.
Located on the Metropolitan Campus, the 40,000-square foot facility seats just under 3,000 people with 500 new chairback seating bleachers so fans can enjoy games in comfort. The Rothman Center also has convenient parking for more than 2,000 vehicles.
The Rothman Center has also been the site for several television commercials: Pizza Hut's stuffed crust pizza commercial featuring then-San Antonio Spur teammates David Robinson and Dennis Rodman; promotional videos for Foot Locker; and inspirational videos by Dick Vitale.
In the tradition of the founding couple, the Rothman Center hosts many charitable events for the community. It hosts The Battle of the Blue Basketball tournament , where the proceeds are donated to Tomorrow’s Children Fund; the Teaneck Special Olympics; Relay for Life, where money is raised for cancer reseach; and many other special events are hosted each year at the center.
The building consists of four key areas of operation and function:
- Four playing courts which can be configured for any combination of basketball, tennis or volleyball games. The two central courts are wood. The non-wood floor area of the main arena are surfaced with synthetic material which provides a quality playing surface for a variety of physical activity
- A six-lane, 200-meter track encircling the main arena playing courts and a long jump pit.
- The Stratis Lounge overlooking the main arena from the mezzanine level, featuring a reception area and seating for up to 150.
Special Use Areas/Support Areas
* Eight independent locker rooms with showers
* A student-athlete weight-training room
* Storage, equipment and utility areas
* Trainer's suite with provisions for hydrotherapy
* Complete lobby and concession areas
* Illuminated trophy display case
Office Areas
Located in the Rothman Center are the offices for the following teams:
Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Bowling, Cross-Country, Women’s Fencing, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Softball, Track and Field and Women’s Volleyball
