Castellan Family Fencing Center

Purpose: Practice & Competition
First Year: 2012
Events Held: MFC (2013-14), NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier (2013)

In fall of 2012, Notre Dame’s Fencing program was blessed with a new, modern facility with the gift of Patrick (class of ’68) and Concetta Castellan, whose two sons, Matt (2001-04) and Chris (2004-05) both competed with the team in their years at Notre Dame.

“You have to have a good enough program to make the investment that’s reflected here today, and this isn’t a good program – this is a spectacular program,” Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick said at the venue’s dedication. “It’s proof of the concept that you can be great students and great student-athletes at the same time.”

“This decision to build a proper environment for our team, our sport, and our fencing program will have a great impact on the life of our student-athletes,” head coach Janusz Bednarski said of his new arena. The Fighting Irish opened play on the new strips Oct. 28, 2012, with an exhibition match against Ohio State.

The Castellan Family Fencing Center features separate men’s, women’s and coaches’ locker rooms, an armory repair room, team lounge and kitchen area, an enclosed conference room and individual coaches offices. Built around the old Joyce hockey rink in the North Dome of the Joyce Athletic Convocation Center, past trophies and awards are also displayed by the entrance into the arena. In addition to displays detailing former NCAA Champions and All-Americans, a banner recognizing Notre Dame’s eight NCAA Championship victories hangs over 15 strips.

The Center played host to the 2013 and 2014 Midwest Fencing Conference (MFC) championships, as well as the 2013 NCAA Midwest Regional Qualifier.