Opened in November 1993, the Convocation Center offers an 8,000-seat arena that can be converted into a 1,000-person banquet space. Two smaller meeting rooms, complete with kitchenettes and restrooms, can each hold 35-45 people, in a theater-style setting. It is located on the waterfront campus of Hampton University which was established in 1868 as an institute of higher learning for former slaves.