{"id":53572,"date":"2025-08-21T13:45:40","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T18:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/?p=53572"},"modified":"2025-09-18T15:04:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T20:04:25","slug":"tarleton-state-officially-opens-eecu-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/tarleton-state-officially-opens-eecu-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarleton State Officially Opens EECU Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014 Tarleton State University celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the art EECU Center in front of a crowd of passionate supporters Thursday morning. With the capacity to welcome up to 8,000 for basketball games and more than 10,000 for concerts, the two-story multipurpose arena immediately transforms the entertainment options available in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Basketball
Interior shot of the new EECU Center on the Tarleton State University campus.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Concerts, conventions, symposiums, conferences and basketball games are some of the events possible to host inside the facility. Commencement ceremonies can also be moved indoors dependent on weather, providing a valuable contingency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday is a truly special day for our institution and the community,\u201d said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. \u201cThis new state-of-the-art venue allows us to serve the needs of the university while also providing a premier NCAA Division I basketball arena for our Texans to compete in. We are grateful to The Texas A&M System Board of Regents, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and our partners at EECU for making this vision a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inaugural events include a performance by comedian Leanne Morgan as part of her \u201cJust Getting Started\u201d tour Sept. 7 and Texas singer-songwriter and Tarleton State alumnus Koe Wetzel returning to campus for a concert Sept. 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.tarleton.edu\/eecu-center<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe EECU Center is going to give our students a first-class place to compete, perform and come together, and it\u2019s going to bring new events, visitors and opportunities that benefit the whole community,\u201d said Chancellor Hegar. \u201cThis is a big win for Tarleton State and for the region. This is what happens when strong institutions and strong partners work together \u2014 you create opportunities that will be felt for decades.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featuring 148,000 square feet of space, the $130 million EECU Center has a portable, maple-wood flooring system to allow for smooth installation and removal as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis incredible facility showcases Tarleton State\u2019s commitment to the economic prosperity and life satisfaction for those who call Stephenville, Erath County and the surrounding areas home,\u201d said state Sen. Brian Birdwell (District 22). \u201cGenerations to come will experience many cherished memories inside the EECU Center.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top-of-the-line sound, lighting and video technology, plus a center-hung scoreboard, will ensure a first-class spectator experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With nearly 300,000 members and over $4 billion in assets, EECU has served the region for more than 90 years. The locally-owned financial institution secured the naming rights to the new arena in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe official opening of the EECU Center marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Tarleton State University,\u201d said EECU President and CEO Lonnie Nicholson. \u201cThis remarkable facility is more than a state-of-the-art venue \u2014 it stands as a testament to our shared vision of advancing education, strengthening community connections and shaping the future of North Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton State\u2019s new arena also includes custom locker rooms, an integrated nutrition center, a sports medicine suite and a dedicated entrance for coaches and student-athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe EECU Center is a game changer for Tarleton State athletics,\u201d said Vice President and Director of Athletics Steve Uryasz. \u201cIt will elevate all of our programs, help with recruiting and retaining elite student-athletes, and enhance the fan experience at our games. Texan Nation will watch high-level basketball in a high-level environment for a long time to come. The EECU Center ranks among the best venues I\u2019ve been in across my entire career in collegiate athletics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basketball season tickets for the first season in the EECU Center are available now with the option to purchase men\u2019s season tickets, women\u2019s season tickets or a combined package for all home games. For more information, visit https:\/\/tarletonsports.evenue.net\/list\/TBB<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PBK served as the architect for the new arena and Vaughn Construction was the contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n