DANIEL “CHAPPIE” JAMES CENTER
The General Daniel "Chappie" James Center for Aerospace Science and Health Education was dedicated on May 10, 1987, by then President of the United States Ronald Reagan. The massive James Center is named for Tuskegee University's distinguished graduate, General Daniel "Chappie" James, the first Black American to achieve the rank of Four-Star General in the United States military.
The James Center is the home court for Tigers basketball and volleyball programs. It also serves as an option for an indoor practice facility for the athletic department’s other sports when inclement weather prevents use of their respective outdoor facilities. In addition, the University’s graduations are held in the facility amongst other activities.
The $18.6 million Center includes classrooms, offices and technical laboratories for the aerospace science engineering program (the only aerospace science engineering program on a predominantly Black university campus); a rifle range, offices and classrooms for Army and Air Force ROTC; a memorial library/museum in honor of
General James; the President's Lounge; a 5,000-seat University Arena/Convocation Center; athletic department offices, four team dressing rooms, a trainer's room and an olympic-size natatorium to support the University's program in health and physical education; and an outdoor plaza in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition, the actual plane last flown by General James, an F-4C, is on display on the grounds of the James Center. An overcross bridge connects the Center to the main engineering building. The deceased General is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
The presidential visit by Ronald Reagan was the culminating event of the annual Mother's Day Commencement Program, but the series of events leading up to it included the dedication of the F-4C aircraft, the plane flown by General James during a tour of duty in Southeast Asia, and the dedication of the Tuskegee Airmen's Plaza.
The Tuskegee basketball team played its first game in the James Center Arena on November 20, 1987. Dr. Charles Thompson's Golden Tigers defeated Florida Memorial College of Miami, Florida, 110-100. The first game played in the Center was between Clark Atlanta University and Bowie State University on the same date, won by Clark Atlanta.
The James Center Arena is the third home for the Tuskegee Basketball Golden Tigers and Tigerettes. Huntington Hall served as the home court from 1908-1931 and Logan Hall from January 9, 1931, until 1987.
