Jenny Craig Pavilion was named for weight-loss entrepreneur Jenny Craig. The Pavilion is sometimes affectionately known as the "Slim Gym", a punning reference to the weight-loss program founded by its namesake.

The arena was constructed with the university's architectural theme of the 16th century Spanish Renaissance.

In the summer of 2015 the pavilion received major upgrades, including a redesigned floor, and state-of-the-art video boards and LED sideline tables from Daktronics.

The Jenny Craig Pavilion has been the site of various sporting events including: The 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2008 West Coast Conference Basketball Championships, the 2002 California Junior College Basketball Championships, the annual Kiwanis Basketball Tournament, the Darrell Russell Celebrity Charity Basketball game, the 2003 NFL Celebrity Basketball Game, the Official Super Bowl XXXVII Luncheon, and the 2004 Judo National Championships.

The pavilion has also hosted the 2004 and 2013 first and second rounds of the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tournament, in addition to the U.S. Men's National Team hosting a friendly with No. 1 ranked Brazil in 2015. The facility also has hosted the commencement exercises and special events including music concerts featuring Maroon 5, and guest speakers from the Dalai Lama and Jane Goodall.

The University of San Diego uses the pavilion for other intercollegiate sports, general recreation, classes, and a variety of other entertainment events.

• List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas

• Official website