Meltzer Center - American Eagles
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Meltzer Center
4400 Massachussetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
Year Opened: 2026
Capacity: 750
Fly, Eagles, Fly
Located in Northwest Washington, American University is one of five federally chartered private colleges in the District of Columbia. The school's athletic programs, known as the Eagles, compete in the Patriot League of the NCAA. American volleyball previously competed at Bender Arena, which it shared with the basketball program, but in 2026, it moved into its own arena, the newly opened Meltzer Center. Formally known as the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, the building also contains practice and training facilities for many of American's programs. The volleyball team plays in a 750-seat gym that is also capable of hosting basketball games, although none are scheduled there.
Food & Beverage 2
The concession window at the Meltzer Center is located in the lobby of the building and features a basic menu. Hot dogs, nachos, and chicken tenders are the main options, and the tenders come with chips. You will also find popcorn, candy, chips, soft pretzels, and other assorted miscellaneous snacks
To drink, Gatorade, soda, and bottled water are available. Beer and wine are available for fans of age as well.
The chicken tenders are the most expensive the thing on the menu at $14, but at least they come with chips. Alcohol ranges from $8-$10 and nothing else is more then $7.
Atmosphere 4
The Meltzer Center seats just 750 fans in only a few rows of chairback seats along both sidelines, so you will have an outstanding view of the action wherever you sit. All seats are general admission except a few reserved seats at courtside, but the building rarely fills up so you should be able to sit wherever you want. Before the match starts, the arena lights go down and red, white, and blue spotlights shine on the court as the Eagles lineup is introduced. A hype video plays on the videoboard as well to get the crowd excited.
The lobby of the Meltzer Center is covered in American athletic logos, eagles, and other gorgeous murals. Compared to that, the gym itself seems pretty sterile, with a lot of blank walls. However, the arena just opened, so perhaps that will change later.
Neighborhood 5
American University is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This is several miles from the center of the city, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There are a number of restaurants nearby, including local favorites Z Burger, District Taco, and, of course, a number of chain restaurants. Tenleytown is a safe neighborhood to walk in, but due to its distance from downtown, you may be better off driving.
Of course, this being the nation’s capital, there is plenty going on elsewhere in the city as well, and the great thing is that most of it’s free. The National Mall and all of its monuments and memorials are absolutely gorgeous on a fall afternoon, and if it’s a rainy day, you can stop into one of the many museums. All government-run attractions are free of charge, though some privately-owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance.
Hotels are extremely expensive in DC itself, at least the ones of decent quality, so if you’re staying overnight, your best bet is to stay in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs and drive over.
Fans 3
American will typically draw a few hundred fans to volleyball games, filling the Meltzer Center to about half capacity. The fans will cheer after big rallies and can get excited when one goes on for a long time, but overall they are fairly quiet. American is much better off playing their home games in the Meltzer Center than they were in the much larger Bender Arena. The place seems a lot fuller, even if it isn't, because the capacity is so much smaller.
Access 4
Parking at Meltzer is simple - just use the garage near Bender Arena. This will cost you $10 regardless of when you visit, which is disappointing as it was free until this year. The parking garage has some very tight spaces, which may be difficult for large vehicles to maneuver. Take the elevator down to the lobby of Bender and follow the signs to Meltzer Center, about a five-minute walk away.
Once you enter the building, if you do not already have tickets, you will need to buy them at the ticket window. If you do, turn right and show them at the table then walk into the arena. There is a large all-gender restroom featuring stalls with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors. It is very clean and is more than sufficiently large for the crowds. Even in between sets, when a lot of people go there at once, there is no wait.
Return on Investment 3
General admission tickets to American University volleyball games are $10, with youth and seniors getting in for $7. Courtside seats are $15. Keep in mind that if you wait until gameday to buy, it will cost an extra $5 (or an extra $10 for courtside.) Parking will cost you an additional $10. While this isn't expensive by any means, many teams at this level do not charge at all for volleyball tickets. Throw in the cost of parking and the value here is merely average.
Extras 2
Look for the banners in the Meltzer Center gym honoring the conference championships and postseason appearances of not only American volleyball but the other athletic teams that use the Meltzer Center for practice.
The player intros featuring red, white, and blue spotlights are also worthy of an extra here.
Final Thoughts
The Meltzer Center is a fine new home for American Eagles volleyball. Although it is a significant downsizing compared to Bender Arena, that is actually a good thing as it is a much more appropriate size. Giving the volleyball team its own home has other benefits as well, as this feels like a volleyball arena, not a basketball arena where the volleyball team are second class citizens. While this will never have the atmosphere of some power conference schools, if you are a fan of volleyball in the D.C. area, you will want to check out American Eagles volleyball at the Meltzer Center.
