Sept. 21, 2002

Columbia, Mo. - A ceremonial groundbreaking was held today just south of the Hearnes Center, where a new state-of-the-art basketball facility will stand in the near future. Over 100 people witnessed the festivities, which included an official speaking program, and turning of the dirt to commemorate the beginning of the project.

Here's a look at some facts and figures concerning the new arena:

Project Timeline

?Sept. 21, 2002 - Groundbreaking Ceremony

?Sept.-Dec., 2002 - Early Site Package Work

?Nov., 2002 - Construction Document Bid

?Jan., 2003 - Construction Bid Awarded

?Feb., 2003 - Construction Project Begins

?Oct. 1, 2004 - Construction Completed

?Nov., 2004 - First Games Played in Arena

Project Overview

?Construction Site - South of Hearnes Center and Memorial Stadium

?Size of Arena - 325,000 GSF

?Total Project Cost -- $75 million

?Exterior Appearance - Face of brick, stone and metal panel with areas of glazing and a glass curtain wall

?Seating Capacity - 15,000 (60% lower bowl, 40% upper bowl)

?Student Seating - Dedicated student bleacher section behind the west basket of 2,500

?Accessible Accommodations - Will meet or exceed all ADA requirements for seating and access

Facility Amenities

?Private Suites - 24

?Club Seating - 1,000 (including a private club lounge area)

?Office Space - Men's and Women's Basketball, Athletic Administration and Building Operations

?Support Facilities for Men's and Women's Basketball - Locker, weight and equipment rooms, practice gym, video classrooms

?Event Support Facilities - Media, officials, security, first-aid, etc.

?Hall of Fame Lobby Area - Will showcase MU's Athletic Hall of Fame and other Tiger basketball traditions

?Concert and Outside Event Support Facilities - Loading dock, storage, lighting, etc.

?Spectator Amenities and Support Facilities - Hospitality room, concessions, novelty sales, tickets, etc.

?Site Improvements - Entrance plaza area, parking, landscaping, etc.