The Marriott Center is named after its primary benefactor, J. Willard Marriott, founder of the Marriott Corporation hotels. Finished in 1971, the Marriott Center is used not only for basketball games, but also for devotionals, forums, firesides, dance performances, major concerts, community activities, and commencement exercises. It contains two press interview rooms, players' locker rooms, general purpose reception areas, a first-aid office, a weight-lifting facility, and a Cougar Club room.