Officially dedicated on October 9, 2000, the Rip Griffin Center is designed to serve a myriad of purposes at Lubbock Christian University. It houses LCU's intercollegiate athletic program, top-notch volleyball and basketball courts, coach's offices, locker rooms, a VIP-conference and hospitality room, training room, weight room, and concession area.
Seating capacity is 1,950 for sporting events, but with the addition of chairs on the floor, the Rip can comfortably seat almost 3,000 people, making it an excellent place to host graduation ceremonies, concerts, and stage productions.
Located at the corner of 26th Street and Chicago Avenue, The Rip has served as the home court for all indoor LCU athletic competitions over the past ten years. In addition, the Rip has hosted the Sooner Athletic Conference men's and women's basketball tournament, the NAIA Region VI and National Volleyball Tournaments, as well as countless other UIL sponsored events.
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The Rip Griffin Center is named after Lubbock Christian University Hall of Honor member B.R. Rip Griffin, a former secretary of the LCU Board of Trustees, whose generous donation of $500,000, made possible the $4,200,000, 51,500 square foot facility, which was constructed as part of the $18.9 million dollar Cornerstones 2000 Campaign that helped to prepare LCU for continued success in the 21st century.
The walls of The Rip feature banners in remembrance of LCU championships won since joining the Sooner Athletic Conference in 1995. Since that time, the men's basketball team has made three trips to the NAIA National Tournament and won one SAC title while the women have likewise won one SAC title, along with making four trips to the NAIA National Tournament. Adding to their list of accomplishments, the Lady Chaps hoisted a National Finalist banner from the 2005-06 season.
In addition to housing the LCU Athletic Department and prominently displaying the championships LCU has earned in the past, the Rip also embodies the spirit and mission of Lubbock Christian University. Buried underneath center court are two objects: a steel Chaparral and a silver cross. The Chaparral, as LCU's mascot, symbolizes LCU's competitive spirit and sense of community, while the cross is a constant reminder that LCU's first commitment is to Christ and Christian duty.