The new AUS Sports Pavilion was inaugurated on September 20, 2017 by Dr. Björn Kjerfve, AUS Chancellor. A large number of athletes representing 24 sport teams and sports fans converged to witness the opening ceremony.  Also present were Dr. Susan Karamanian, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.

After cutting the ribbon, Dr. Kjerfve thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, for the realization of this long-cherished dream of the AUS community in providing the new facility.

The new 885 m² Sports Pavilion has a seating capacity for more than 900 spectators and air-conditioned changing rooms. The soccer field, equipped with a large electronic scoreboard and natural grass, is surrounded by a 400m track. The AUS Leopards soccer team inaugurated the pitch with a match against the Kazma team from Kuwait, winning 3-0.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi stated that the new Sports Pavilion will add a variety of services to the AUS sports community. “This new facility will be an added attraction and advantage for students to sharpen their athletic skills on their own premises, without depending on off-campus clubs and grounds.”

The new facility is located near the AUS Tennis Center and Sports Complex.