Gore Arena/Pope Convocation Center

The John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center and Gilbert Craig Gore Arena is the home of Campbell basketball, volleyball and wrestling.

Dedicated on Oct. 17, 2008 and hosting its inaugural basketball games on Nov. 15, 2008, the 109,000 square-foot-building ranks among the finest facilities in the Big South Conference and the state of North Carolina.

The $34 million project includes 3,095 (all chair back) seats for basketball games at Gilbert Craig Gore Arena, in addition to a 1,200-square foot Presidential hospitality suite. Fans in attendance not only experience the excitement of college athletics, but are also entertained by state-of-the-art lighting, scoreboard, video and audio systems. For Convocation or graduation, the building will hold up to 4,000.

In preparation for the 2016 Big South Championship, Gore Arena underwent major facilities upgrades, including the installation of a new four-sided, center-hung LED display scoreboard and video board, plus eight new LED courtside tables, four on each sideline. In addition, a new paint scheme was applied throughout the building with new graphic images and new Spalding basket supports were added. Locker rooms for the Campbell University men's and women's basketball teams each measure 1,400 square feet and include separate lounge/video review areas and coaches dressing rooms. Dressing rooms are also provided for Campbell's volleyball and wrestling programs, as well as game officials and visiting teams.

A new floor was installed during the summer of 2020, complete with a redesigned Camel logo within the outline of the State of North Carolina.

Four of the top 10 crowds to jam the arena came during the 2018-19 season as the Fighting Camels won the Big South regular season title and Chris Clemons led the country in scoring. A record 3,351 fans were on hand for Clemons' senior day, Mar. 2, 2019, when the Camels defeated Radford to secure the right to host the league quarterfinals and semis. That day's attendance broke the previous record of 3,220 set on Feb. 1, 2014 when CU hosted a nationally-televised game for the first time. ESPNU aired Campbell's game against eventual Big South champ Coastal Carolina as its Big South Wildcard Selection broadcast.

The facility saw another major addition in 2018, with the expansion of the wrestling center, more than tripling mat space, while also expanding the Camels' locker room and workout areas, and providing other amenities. The wrestling program now benefits from the use of a 7,000 square foot training area, which more than accommodates three regulation mats, plus cardio, strength and lounge facilities.

The building includes a 3,000-square foot weight room devoted to Campbell University athletes. Additionally, Campbell's basketball and volleyball programs also have the ability to work out at the same time, thanks to the 6,800 square foot Fred McCall practice gymnasium, which is located just a few paces from the men's basketball locker room.
The facility is a center of activity for student recreation and wellness, plus athletics practice and competition. It also houses 2,800 square feet devoted to the University's exercise science major.