John Paul Jones Arena
John Paul Jones Arena, known as “JPJ”, is a basketball arena in Charlottesville, Virginia, home of the Virginia Cavaliers (ACC, NCAA Division I). It opened in 2006, making it 20 years old in 2026 and seats 14,593 for basketball. It ranks 5th of 18 in the ACC by capacity.
Its record crowd is 15,219 vs. Arizona (2006). The closest NBA arena is Capital One Arena in Washington, about 98 miles away.
Arena facts
- Location
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Home of
- Virginia Cavaliers
- School
- University of Virginia
- Conference
- ACC
- Opened
- 2006
- Capacity
- 14,593
- Nickname
- JPJ
- Record crowd
- 15,219 vs. Arizona (2006)
- Also home to
- Virginia Cavaliers women's basketball
- Size rank in D-I
- 33rd of 360
Famous games at John Paul Jones Arena
- Nov. 12, 2006: Virginia rallies from 19 down to beat No. 10 Arizona 93-90 in the arena's first men's game before a record 15,219.
- March 1, 2007: Virginia beats Virginia Tech 69-56 to clinch a share of the ACC regular-season title.
- Feb. 28, 2013: Virginia upsets No. 3 Duke, and thousands of fans storm the court.
- 2014: Virginia beats Harvard 76-27, tying an NCAA record for fewest points allowed.
- March 1, 2014: No. 12 Virginia beats No. 4 Syracuse 75-56 to win the ACC regular-season title outright.
Game night
Tradition. The student section, the "Hoo Crew," stands and roars on defense as the shot clock winds down.
Seating & views at John Paul Jones Arena
Opened in 2006, JPJ is the largest arena in Virginia and seats 14,593 for basketball, with a record crowd of 15,219 for its very first men's game. A center-hung scoreboard with four video screens was updated in 2017. The student section, the Hoo Crew, is known for standing and roaring on defense as the shot clock winds down. Sports Illustrated named it the best new arena of the decade in 2009.
Parking & tailgating at John Paul Jones Arena
The arena's main lots surround the building: the JPJ Garage, the JPJ West, South and East lots, and the Emmet-Ivy Garage, all of which require a pass. Overflow parking is at the D1 Lot, Darden Garage, Central Grounds Garage and The Park. Passes can be bought ahead online or paid by card on event day, since JPJ is a cashless venue. Rideshare and drop-off use a designated cutout off Massie Road.
Plan your trip to John Paul Jones Arena
Arenas near John Paul Jones Arena10
- 1D-IAtlantic Union Bank Center — James Madison Dukes 35 mi
- 2D-IJoan Perry Brock Center — Longwood Lancers 52 mi
- 3D-ICameron Hall — VMI Keydets 56 mi
- 4D-ILiberty Arena — Liberty Flames 59 mi
- 5D-IRobins Center — Richmond Spiders 66 mi
- 6D-ISiegel Center — VCU Rams 66 mi
- 7D-IEagleBank Arena — George Mason Patriots 84 mi
- 8WNBACareFirst Arena — Washington Mystics 98 mi
- 9NBACapital One Arena — Washington Wizards 98 mi
- 10D-ICharles E. Smith Center — George Washington Revolutionaries 98 mi
Questions about John Paul Jones Arena
Where do the Virginia Cavaliers play home games?
The Virginia Cavaliers play at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia.
How many people does John Paul Jones Arena hold?
John Paul Jones Arena seats 14,593 for basketball.
When did John Paul Jones Arena open?
John Paul Jones Arena opened in 2006.
What is John Paul Jones Arena’s nickname?
John Paul Jones Arena is known as “JPJ.”
What is the attendance record at John Paul Jones Arena?
The record crowd at John Paul Jones Arena is 15,219 vs. Arizona (2006).
What other arenas are near John Paul Jones Arena?
Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg is about 35 miles away. See the full list of nearby arenas on this page.
Facts are for the 2026–27 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your arena? Get the “Listed on Hoops Arenas” badge for your website.