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 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 with an outstanding recreation facility and serves as the headquarters of the University's Division I basketball program and other varsity sports. It also provides a much-needed site for major university-wide events, including convocations, lectures and concerts. In its brief existence, the Rothman Center has made history, hosting dignitaries such as President George Bush, President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and Leah Rabin, wife of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin.
A 40,000-square foot facility with seating for more than 5,000, the Rothman Center has convenient parking for more than 2,000 cars. The center has also been the home to the New Jersey Nets rookie and regular season camps, pre-Olympic volleyball matches and world-class track and field events.
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 Buzcek Dinner which honors police officers slain in the line of duty; the Teaneck Special Olympics; the Juvenile Diabetes Walk-A-Thon; and many other special events.
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 sports. It can also be used for spectator events like concerts.
- A six-lane, 200-meter track encircling the main arena playing courts and a long jump pit.
- A combination of mobile and telescoping bleachers which can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators at major events. Seating for special events such as convocations, concerts, lectures and commencements can be arranged for 6,000 spectators. The building's unique design ensures that there is not a bad seat in the house.
- A VIP area overlooking the main arena from the mezzanine level, featuring a lounge, reception area and seating for up to 200.
Special Use Areas/Support Areas
* Three regulation racquetball courts
* Eight independent locker rooms with showers
* A student/staff weight-training room
* A varsity-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
* 13 individual offices divided into two separate suite areas
* An enclosed conference room, equipped with a kitchenette and a full window view of the main arena playing floor
