Bender Arena is a 4,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Washington, DC. The arena opened in 1988. It is home to the American University Eagles basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. The arena, named for Washington DC philanthropists, Howard and Sondra Bender, is also the primary campus venue for concerts, commencement and speakers, seating up to 6,000. Bender Arena is the flagship facility of the American University Sports Center, which also includes: Bender hosted the 2002, 2008, and 2009 Patriot League men's basketball tournament final.