The Quillen Court in the David J. Prior Convocation Center

David J. Prior portrait — David J. Prior

The David J. Prior Convocation Center has been the home of UVA Wise volleyball and basketball teams since it opened in September, 2011. Named after the late Chancellor David J. Prior, the $30 million, 78,000 square-foot facility serves not only the UVA Wise community but also the surrounding region.

The court was named The Quillen Court on April 26, 2024. It was named for Mike Quillen, a long-time supporter of Highland Cavalier Athletics and a former member of the UVA Wise College Board.

The facility seats 3,000 for sporting events and 3,600 for concerts or other convention activities. The Convocation Center hosts athletic events, concerts, graduations, commencements, dances, conferences, trade shows, wedding receptions, and much more.

For UVA Wise athletics, the facility houses the volleyball and men's and women's basketball offices, an athletic training room, locker rooms and an equipment room. In addition to the main court, a full-sized secondary/practice court is located on the north end of the facility.

Over the years, the facility has also played host to numerous local, regional, and state high school basketball and volleyball tournaments.

The facility also features a box office, Bookstore retail shop, two concession stands, a dining area, and an outdoor patio.

DIRECTIONS
David J. Prior Convocation Center (437 Stadium Drive, Wise VA 24293)

Directions from Google Maps

For the majority of events, Campus Police will direct you to the proper lot, and available lots are shown in the following graphic. Parking costs are included in the price of a ticket for the event.

VOLLEYBALL
The UVA Wise volleyball team opened the Prior Center to competition when they hosted their first match in their new home on Sept. 17, 2011, when they hosted Appalachian Athletic Conference rival Milligan College. From that point to the end of the 2023 season they have played 140 matches there, compiling a 51-89 record.

Volleyball Quick Facts
First game	Sept. 17, 2011 vs. Milligan
First win	Sept. 21, 2011 vs. Bluefield State (3-0)
Overall Record	62-96 (.392) Games: 158
MSC Record (2011-12)	5-5 (.500) Games: 10
MEC Record (2013-18)	22-26 (.458) Games: 48
SAC Record (2019-present)	7-46 (..132) Games: 53

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The women's basketball team had their first game in the Prior Center on Nov. 19, 2011 against Shawnee State. Since then, they are 91-74 in the facility.

Women's Basketball Quick Facts
First game	vs. Shawnee State, Nov. 19, 2011 (57-83)
First win	vs. Alice Lloyd, Jan. 17, 2012 (77-55)
Overall Record	91-74 (.551) Games: 165
MSC Record (2011-13)	7-11 (.389) Games: 18
MEC Record (2013-19)	31-35 (.470) Games: 66
SAC Record (2019-present)	31-20 (.608) Games: 51

First points
First UVA Wise points
Most points	102, vs. Shepherd, Jan. 28, 2015 (102-63)
Widest margin of victory	43, vs. West Virginia Tech, Dec. 13, 2015 (94-51)

MEN'S BASKETBALL
The men's basketball team played their first game in the Prior Center on Nov. 4, 2011 when they hosted Cincinnati Christian in the Cavalier Classic. As of the end of the 2023-24 season they hold a 74-104 record in the facility.

Men's Basketball Quick Facts
First game	vs. Cincinnati Christian, Nov. 4, 2011 (102-76)
First win	vs. Cincinnati Christian, Nov. 4, 2011 (102-76)
Overall Record	74-104 (.415) Games: 178
MSC Record (2011-13)	10-8 (.556) Games: 18
MEC Record (2013-19)	19-47 (.288) Games: 66
SAC Record (2019-present)	16-35 (.314) GamesL 51

First points	Travis Berry vs. Cincinnati Christian, Nov. 4, 2011 (3-pointer)
Most points	121, vs. Limestone, Feb. 10, 2024 (121-119, 3 overtimes)
Widest margin of victory	52, vs. Carolina Christian, Dec. 16, 2024 (108-56)