Officially dedicated on October 9, 2000, the Rip Griffin Center is designed to serve a myriad of purposes at Lubbock Christian University. It houses LCU's intercollegiate athletic program, top-notch volleyball and basketball courts, coach's offices, locker rooms, a VIP-conference and hospitality room, training room, weight room, and concession area.
Seating capacity is 1,950 for sporting events, but with the addition of chairs on the floor, the Rip can comfortably seat almost 3,000 people, making it an excellent place to host graduation ceremonies, concerts, and stage productions.
Located at the corner of 26th Street and Chicago Avenue, The Rip has served as the home court for all indoor LCU athletic competitions over the past 20 years. In addition, the Rip has hosted the the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championships (since 2016), NCAA Division II South Central Region tournaments (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020), Heartland Conference and Sooner Athletic Conference tournament events, the NAIA Region VI and National Volleyball Tournaments as well as countless other UIL and NJCAA sponsored events.
The Rip Griffin Center is named after Lubbock Christian University Hall of Honor member B.R. Rip Griffin, a former secretary of the LCU Board of Trustees, whose generous donation of $500,000, made possible the $4,200,000, 51,500 square foot facility, which was constructed as part of the $18.9 million dollar Cornerstones 2000 Campaign that helped to prepare LCU for continued success in the 21st century.
The walls of The Rip feature banners in remembrance of LCU championships won since joining the Sooner Athletic Conference in 1994. The foyer at the north end also houses a display honoring admirable achievements in LCU history, along with honoring Hall of Honor members.
In addition to housing the LCU Athletic Department and prominently displaying the championships, LCU has earned in the past, "The Rip" also embodies the spirit and mission of Lubbock Christian University. Buried underneath center court are two objects: a steel Chaparral and a silver cross. The Chaparral, as LCU's mascot, symbolizes LCU's competitive spirit and sense of community, while the cross is a constant reminder that LCU's first commitment is to Christ and Christian duty.
Several upgrades have been made throughout the history of the facility. Endzone seating originally included bench seating, but has since been changed to box seats. In 2016, a new Daktronics video board was built in the north end of the facility, providing an avenue for communication students to gain video production experience. Additional upgrades include locker room renovations.
