RADFORD – The wait is nearly over.

Radford University is celebrating the return to the newly renovated Dedmon Center next week with a pair of Highlander basketball games and socials.

The men’s team will play the first game at Dedmon when it hosts Big South Conference foe VMI at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21.

The women’s team will get its turn to play in the refurbished Dedmon Center on Saturday, Jan. 24, when they compete with Coastal Carolina at 3 p.m.

The $15.7 million Dedmon renovations involved replacing the entire roof system and installing an HVAC system that will result in energy cost savings as well as creating a more comfortable environment. The original air-supported roof, which outlived its projected 20-year lifespan by eight years, has been replaced by a roof supported by nine steel trusses. The renovations also include a new basketball court.

During the renovations, the basketball and volleyball teams have played games in Peters Hall.

“We are thrilled with the renovations to the Dedmon Center,” said Radford Athletic Director Robert Lineburg. “We are certainly looking forward to our men’s and women’s basketball teams returning to action in a first-class facility. This is going to be a fantastic place for athletic events and a host of other events in the years to come.”