Events Center not just for sports, will also meet academic, entertainment needs

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Basketball won’t be all that’s happening in the newly-renovated, state of the art Events Center.

The facility will be used for academic purposes as well entertainment and sports.

Stan Shingles, assistant vice president of University Recreation, said the complex was never meant to be used only for sports, but a variety of activities.

“The Events Center will be an engine for cultural, academic, athletic and entertainment experiences,” he said. “The intent is for it to be more than just a new basketball court.”

The annual Student Research and Creative Endeavors Exhibition and teacher’s fair will likely take place in the Events Center, Shingles said. The extra room will augment CMU events and offer a refreshing environment for the students.

The annual Native American Powwow will also be hosted in the Events Center this year as well as other international fairs. The stadium and practice facility will be an ideal place to host guest speakers, Shingles said.

Essexville sophomore Amanda Lingle is ready for the Events Center to open and thinks many students will attend activities to check it out.

“I am very excited to cheer on my Chips and see all the cool things that come with it,” she said.

Excitement and anticipation over its opening should draw many students to the complex, said Shingles, who expects a larger turnout for events this year because of the Events Center.

Livonia freshman Ryan Gabrish said the new complex will be refreshing to students.

“I think it provides a better setting for games and events because it’s bigger, better, newer and nicer,” he said.

Parchment freshman Brandon Shirley is excited for the center for more than just sporting events.

“It will open up a lot more room for everybody,” he said.

The arena will also make the graduation commencement more enjoyable, with air conditioning and more space, Shingles said

“It’s important because commencement in the Events Center will be the last experience graduates will have as students at CMU,” he said.