Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
E.B. Henderson Sports Complex
4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008
Year Opened: 1977
Capacity: 1,500
Firebirds of Fury
The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington.
The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' basketball team plays their home games at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex on the UDC campus. Known by the generic name Building 47 until 2022, about its number on the campus map, the arena was renamed after UDC alumnus Edwin Bancroft Henderson. Although few know his name, Henderson's contributions to the game of basketball were immense, He taught physical education in D.C.'s public schools in the early 1900s, teaching Black children at a time when the schools, and society in general, were still segregated.
He is credited for introducing the game of basketball to the Black community in the Washington region, and later elsewhere in the country, at a time when Black people were forbidden from even attending games involving white players, let alone playing in them. He has been called the Father of Black Basketball for all his work behind the scenes.
Food & Beverage 1
The lobby at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex contains what appears to be a concession stand, but when Stadium Journey visited, it was closed and blocked off by yellow caution tape. It may be open for some games but was not on this occasion. There are vending machines in the lobby that sell soft drinks and bottled water, so it does get one star here.
Atmosphere 4
Walking through the front doors of the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex will put you in a lobby with a trophy case, restrooms, and vending machines. Turn right to get to the arena doors, then walk through them to get into the arena itself. There are two sets of plastic bleachers, one on each side of the court.
Although this is larger than many Division II gyms, you will still have a great view of the action wherever you sit. There are video boards on both baselines that also show player stats, a rarity at this level. The player stats scroll through player by player, which can be confusing until you figure out what it is showing.
After a violation by UDC's opponent (traveling, double dribble, etc.) the PA announcer will often shout "You can't do that!" before declaring that UDC now has possession of the ball. There is a dance team at UDC games, but they mainly stay in the stands to do their routines rather than come out onto the court.
Neighborhood 4
The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street and offers even more options.
Fans 2
UDC averages a couple hundred fans a game if that. Those who do attend are quiet for the most part but can get worked up over bad calls by the refs or bad plays by the Firebirds. They do cheer good plays as well when they occur. There does not appear to be a large student turnout at Firebirds games - it is mostly friends and family of the players plus some locals.
Access 5
Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the arena. You can also park in the campus garage a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street.
Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there and whether you are attending a doubleheader with the men's and women's teams, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky.
Restrooms are available to the left of the front doors of the building and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds that turn up for basketball games.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets are $15, which is on the high end for Division II, but certainly won't break the bank. There may be a substantial charge for parking as well. All of this means a UDC Firebirds game is merely an average value, no more, no less.
Extras 5
Look for the firebird statue outside the doors to the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex, referencing UDC's unique mascot. A second star for the statue of E.B. Henderson himself nearby, honoring his significant contributions to the sport.
Once you get into the lobby, look for the trophy case honoring UDC athletic achievements.
Finally, when you are in the arena itself, check out the 1982 National Championship Banner and the jersey honoring former Firebird and Harlem Globetrotter Charles "Choo Choo" Smith. Rather than display a replica of his college jersey, they display a replica of his Globetrotters one.
Final Thoughts
UDC doesn't get nearly the attention of the Division I basketball schools in the DC area, nor is the experience comparable. Still, hoops fans in the area may want to check out a Firebirds game. Considering the men's and women's teams often play doubleheaders, it can be a fun way to spend an entire afternoon watching basketball.
Comments