{"id":1361,"date":"2023-08-22T17:13:03","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T17:13:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/president\/?p=1361"},"modified":"2023-08-22T17:13:06","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T17:13:06","slug":"tarleton-state-breaks-ground-on-110-million-event-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/president\/2023\/08\/22\/tarleton-state-breaks-ground-on-110-million-event-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarleton State Breaks Ground on $110 Million Event Center"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tarleton State University broke ground this morning for a $110 million, two-story multipurpose arena that will sport NCAA Division I basketball facilities and room for academic convocations, symposiums, conferences and conventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Texas A&M System approved the budget and construction in May, with move-in set for 2025. Construction dollars come from Revenue System Financing bonds and are part of Tarleton\u2019s capital plan approved by the Board of Regents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a comprehensive national university, we have a moral and social obligation to deliver an outstanding student experience while simultaneously spurring community prosperity and enhancing economic opportunity,\u201d said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. \u201cWith this new facility, we\u2019re doing just that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Hurley said students and community members started talking about the need for an Event Center the moment he and his family arrived in fall 2019. \u201cThanks to the unwavering support of Chancellor Sharp and the A&M System Regents, this long-awaited dream is now a reality. The center will be a point of pride for the entire region and will bring national acclaim to Tarleton State University.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seating nearly 10,000 for concerts and up to 8,000 for basketball games, the center will provide a permanent indoor home for convocations and commencements, and the city of Stephenville will enjoy increased income from community and regional events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one thing to talk about it, but today it\u2019s happening,\u201d Chancellor John Sharp said. \u201cThe shovels are in the ground. You\u2019re going to see dirt turning here in no time, and before you know it, we\u2019ll have the finest arena west of the DFW Metroplex. This is truly a great day for Tarleton State University, North Central Texas and the entire Texas A&M University System.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calling it a crown jewel in the heart of the university\u2019s main campus, state Rep. Shelby Slawson (District 59) said the center is a game changer for Tarleton State, Stephenville and Erath and surrounding counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally, we have a venue in the heart of Stephenville for the community and students to gather, enjoy concerts, celebrate milestones, cheer on Texan basketball and move commencements indoors when the weather doesn\u2019t cooperate,\u201d she said. \u201cI can\u2019t wait for the grand opening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

State Rep. DeWayne Burns (District 58) applauded Tarleton State\u2019s ongoing efforts to partner with the community while remaining focused on student education and development. \u201cToday\u2019s groundbreaking is a testament to the university\u2019s commitment to economic vitality, community service and the public good. As a Tarleton Texan, I am extremely proud.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 148,000 square feet, the Event Center will include custom locker rooms, an integrated nutrition center, a sports medicine suite, and a dedicated entrance for coaches and student-athletes. A portable, maple-wood flooring system will make installing and removing the specialized gym surface a snap without sacrificing player safety or performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Hurley knew we needed something like this, not only for the university but for the surrounding communities and North Central Texas,\u201d said Lonn Reisman, Vice President for Tarleton State Intercollegiate Athletics. \u201cIt gives everyone an opportunity to experience events they might not otherwise be able to attend. It will change the dynamics of the whole area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PBK is the architect, and Vaughn Construction is the contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A founding member of The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton State transforms generations by inspiring discovery, leadership and inclusion through teaching and research. Degree programs for more than 16,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, at A&M-RELLIS in Bryan, and online emphasize real-world learning that addresses regional needs while sustaining the values of excellence, integrity and respect.<\/p>\n