KINGSTON, Ont. (January 13, 2010) – Sunday afternoon marks the dawn of a new era at Queen's University as the Gaels host the York Lions in the inaugural game at the Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC).

While the Grand Opening of the Queen's Centre occurs on Friday morning, the first varsity game in the ARC will be contested at 2:00 pm on Sunday when the Queen's women's volleyball team battles the Lions. The men's game follows at 4:00 pm.

All fans are encouraged to wear white to the game for Primetime Whiteout Day. Commemorative t-shirts can be purchased by the general public on game day for $5. Queen's University students can purchase their shirt all week at the Q-Shop in the ARC where they can enter a draw to win $3000 towards their university account.

The women's game features two teams battling for second place in the OUA East division. The Gaels come into the contest with a 5-5 record, but have won three of their last four games. York, on the other hand, is currently 6-3 on the season and has also won three of their last four matches.

These two teams have already faced each other once this season with the Lions coming away with the win in four sets. It was one of the closest matches that the Gaels have played this season with each set being decided by three or fewer points. Lorna Button of Newcastle, Ont., was outstanding in the game hitting 20 kills and recording 24 points.

In the men's game, the Gaels face a team that has struggled so far this season. The Lions come into the game with only two wins on the season while the Gaels are battling with Western and McMaster for first place in the OUA.

These two teams squared off back on November 1st in Toronto with the Gaels coming out with the victory in three sets. Joren Zeeman of Cambridge, Ont., led Queen's with 13 kills in the match while Bryan Fautley of Oakville, Ont., chipped in with nine.

Both games will be aired on Cogeco, tape-delayed to Monday night at 8:00 pm.

The new Athletics & Recreation Centre (ARC) located in the Queen's Centre is a state-of-the art athletic facility featuring all the latest amenities. The ARC has two gymnasiums which can be used for a multitude of sports and set for a variety of configurations. These include basketball, volleyball, badminton and several other multi-purpose sports.

Also located in the ARC are five dedicated fitness and weight zone with up to 24,500 square feet of workout areas. Highlights include an abundance of stationary bikes, elliptical machines, stair masters, treadmills, steppers and strength & conditioning machines as well as over seven tons of free weights. The ARC also has the most squash and racquetball courts in Kingston.

Highlighting the West Side of the ARC is a 38x25 metre pool with several swim lanes, diving boards as well as dedicated pool-side change rooms with shower facilities. The Main Gym is the home of the Queen's University Gaels with stadium seating on three sides including chairs with backs in the first four rows. The Main Gym has seating for 1,904 spectators.

The ARC also features a magnitude of change areas including men's and women's areas, family friendly change rooms and team rooms which are open for special events.

The ARC is located at 284 Earl Street in the heart of Queen's University campus.