NJIT Highlanders vs. High Point University Panthers at the Qubein Center…read more
I saw that NJIT, a school where I studied engineering before earning my degree in Charlotte, was playing at High Point University on Friday, December 5th at 7 pm. I try to attend at least one Highlanders game each year--usually in Newark, NJ with my longtime friend, an NJIT Alumni, Mike Johnstone.
Even after moving to the North Carolina Triangle, I am still committed to seeing at least one Highlanders "Hoops" game annually. This year, the timing lined up perfectly. I had volunteered earlier in the day at the Fall 2025 Senior Design Expo at UNC Charlotte as a Lee College of Engineering alumnus, so the game in High Point was on my drive home. That said, I would have made the trip from Raleigh regardless.
High Point entered that night with every advantage--better form, home court, a stronger roster, and momentum; however, I knew I would enjoy cheering on NJIT.
High Point competes in the Big South Conference and started the 2025-26 season strong. Going into Friday's game, they were 7-2 overall and were picked in the preseason poll to finish first in the Big South. The Panthers are a solid mid-major program, coming off one of the best seasons in school history and carrying that momentum forward.
NJIT, meanwhile, plays in the America East Conference and entered the night at 3-6 overall. Their road performance has been difficult, and historically the Highlanders have faced challenges, with a long-term winning percentage under .400 since joining Division I in the mid-2000s. Still, I was proud to support them.
The outcome was expected, and High Point defeated NJIT 89-72. Despite the loss, I was proud of how competitive NJIT was, and I genuinely enjoyed watching both teams--High Point is an entertaining, well-coached squad.
About the Qubein Center
The Qubein Center is an impressive venue for basketball and university events. It is modern, beautifully maintained, and staffed by exceptionally friendly people--from the ticket office to the ushers. Because I have knee issues that make stairs difficult, I appreciated that the staff proactively offered me a ticket in the back row so I would not need to navigate steps. Access to my seat was seamless: elevator up, escalator down after the game, and no stairs required to reach the accessible men's room or concessions.
The section also had non-assigned accessible seating, and the usher kindly allowed me to use one. That made my viewing experience even more comfortable. Overall, the Qubein Center is one of the most thoughtfully designed college arenas I have visited.
Parking & Shuttle Bus Experience
I parked in a surface lot off North University Parkway (across from Parkway Commons), located directly across East Lexington Avenue from the Qubein Center. High Point University operates shuttle buses between the parking areas and the arena, which made transportation simple and efficient.
Even though I hold a North Carolina DMV Disability Parking Placard, I parked in a regular space adjacent to the designated accessible parking. I do this intentionally so that individuals who require van-accessible spaces can use them. The shuttle service was prompt, courteous, and easy to navigate.
About High Point University
High Point University is a private institution founded in 1924. In recent years it has grown significantly in both size and academic scope. HPU enrolls approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and is known for programs in business, health sciences, pharmacy, communication, education, interior design, and the arts. The university is also recognized for its significant campus investment, student-experience focus, and national rankings for innovation.
For the 2025-26 academic year, HPU's estimated undergraduate tuition and fees are in the range of $45,000-$48,000 annually, with total cost of attendance (including room and board) typically exceeding $60,000.
About NJIT
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university founded in 1881 in Newark. It is widely known for engineering, architecture, computer science, applied sciences, and technology-focused business programs. NJIT enrolls roughly 11,000 students, including one of the most diverse engineering student bodies in the country.
As a public institution, NJIT's tuition profile is significantly different from HPU's. For 2025-26, in-state undergraduate tuition typically falls in the $17,000-$19,000 range, while out-of-state tuition is generally around $33,000-$35,000.
Overall Impression
I had a great time attending the game. I was impressed by High Point University, its fans, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall atmosphere the university created before, during, and after the game. The Qubein Center is a standout facility, and the experience was smooth from parking to seating to the game itself. Even though the Highlanders came up short, it was a memorable night, and I look forward to returning.
