Pepperdine University is poised to usher in a new chapter of campus athletics with the inauguration of The Mountain at Mullin Park, a 3,600‑seat arena that will open its doors on December 5 and 6. The venue marks the culmination of a multi‑year, $150 million project that replaces the beloved Firestone Fieldhouse, a fixture on the Malibu campus for more than five decades.
A New Era for Gaucho Athletics
The inaugural games will feature the Gauchos’ men’s and women’s basketball teams facing off against Florida Gulf Coast University and Boise State University, while the indoor volleyball program also calls the new facility home. The arena’s design incorporates a 360‑degree high‑definition videoboard and premium hospitality spaces intended to elevate both fan experience and student‑athlete development.
The final competition at Firestone Fieldhouse is scheduled for November 28, when the women’s volleyball team hosts Seattle, providing a sentimental send‑off for a venue that has witnessed countless historic moments.
Season‑ticket renewals become available to the university community on August 25, with public sales slated to begin September 2, giving fans ample opportunity to secure seats for the opening matchups.
Voices from the Campus
Tanner Gardner, Pepperdine’s Director of Athletics, described The Mountain as a transformative chapter that will deepen engagement for student‑athletes and supporters alike, reinforcing the university’s commitment to competitive excellence and holistic campus life.
Rooted in its Christian identity, Pepperdine has a storied athletic heritage, boasting multiple NCAA championships in basketball and volleyball. The new arena not only modernizes the school’s facilities but also reinforces its ambition to compete at the highest levels while preserving the values that define the Gaucho community.
As the campus prepares for the first whistle blow, the excitement extends beyond the court, signaling a revitalized spirit that will resonate through classrooms, alumni gatherings, and the broader Malibu community.