Pepperdine University to Celebrate Grand Opening of Waves Arena at The Mountain at Mullin Park

Pepperdine University will celebrate the grand opening of Waves Arena at the Mountain at Mullin Park on December 5, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the University and ushering in a new chapter for Pepperdine athletics, student life, and broader community engagement. 

"The opening of Waves Arena marks a monumental chapter in the history of Pepperdine University," said Jim Gash (JD '93), Pepperdine president. "This state-of-the-art venue is far more than just a home for Waves athletics—it is a gathering place built to unite our students, faculty, alumni, and friends in authentic community and shared purpose. We are profoundly grateful to those that helped bring this dream to life and cannot wait to see the incredible memories that will be made within these doors."

Waves Arena under construction

The opening weekend will begin Saturday, December 5, with a tailgate in the plaza, followed by a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Waves Arena. Willie the Wave, Pepperdine spirit leaders, music, giveaways, and additional surprises will welcome Waves students, alumni, families, and fans as the community gathers to celebrate the new venue.

"This premier facility represents a transformational milestone for Pepperdine Athletics and gives our student-athletes a championship-level venue to train, compete, and showcase their talents at the highest level," said Tanner Gardner, director of athletics. "It elevates our entire program and sets a new benchmark for the Waves experience."

Following the ceremony, the Waves men’s basketball team will take the court at 5 PM for its inaugural game at Waves Arena against Florida Gulf Coast University, giving fans their first opportunity to experience the arena during competition.

The celebration will continue Sunday, December 6, when the Waves women’s basketball team makes its Waves Arena debut against Boise State at 2 PM. Together, the two games will launch a new era for Pepperdine basketball and establish Waves Arena as a gathering place for generations of Waves.

Men's and women's basketball teams

The Mountain at Mullin Park represents a significant investment in the University’s commitment to holistic student development and a vibrant campus community. The broader complex brings together athletic, fitness, wellness, and student engagement resources, creating new opportunities for students to connect with one another and participate in the life of the University.

Since breaking ground in September 2023, the development has opened in phases. The Mountain’s parking structure welcomed its first vehicles in January 2025, adding 825 parking spaces to the Malibu campus. The Student Center opened in August 2026, expanding opportunities for fitness, recreation, resilience education, and community gathering. The grand opening of Waves Arena marks another defining milestone in the realization of the larger vision for The Mountain.

"As we welcome our community and friends into Waves Arena, I reflect that this moment represents years of intentional planning, incredible dedication, and a shared vision for the future of Pepperdine," shared Phil Phillips ('88, JD '92), executive vice president. "Bringing this project from concept to reality fulfills a vital promise to our campus community—providing a mutil-purpose and world-class facility that will serve our students, athletics programs, and visitors for generations to come."

As Pepperdine prepares to welcome the community to Waves Arena, the opening weekend offers an opportunity to celebrate not only a new athletic venue but also a shared investment in the future of the University. 

Tickets for the general public are available for purchase for the December 5 men’s basketball game and December 6 women’s basketball game at Waves Arena. Pepperdine students, faculty, and staff may access tickets through designated University channels. For more information, visit The Mountain at Mullin Park website.