The public will have a chance to say goodbye to a Troy University staple next week.

This Tuesday, TROY’s Alumni Association will sponsor “So Long, Sartain,” a farewell to Sartain Hall before the building undergoes demolition later this month.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., visitors can browse the arena portion of Sartain, sharing memories and viewing areas of the building that housed thousands of events since its inception in 1962, including basketball games, concerts, dances and commencement ceremonies.

Sartain is being demolished to make way for the Trojan Fitness Center, a new $25 million student recreation center currently under construction.

“We wanted to give former players, fans and staff the opportunity to see Sartain before it comes down,” said Alumni Association President Bill Hopper. “It’s really an opportunity for people to come back and not just see Sartain one last time, but go into it and walk around if they want.”

Visitors can enjoy refreshments at a tent set up outside the arena.

Tuesday’s event is free and open to the public.

Opened in 1962, the building was named in honor of Professor Auxford Sartain, a 40-year faculty member.

Through the decades that followed, the building became a hub of activity on campus, notably hosting a record-breaking 258-point performance from the TROY men’s basketball team in 1992.