Troy University officials today officially kicked off the construction of the $31 million Trojan Arena with a groundbreaking ceremony on the Troy Campus.

"Sartain Hall has served us well for more than a half century," said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University. "Enrollment growth and Division I athletics dictate a progressive step into the future. We believe a new arena will not only accommodate our need for more space but it will allow us to showcase our successful athletics program. The arena represents one of the most important investments we will make in Troy University for many years to come."

When completed in Fall 2011, Trojan Arena will seat 5,200 people for basketball and provide 5,600 seats in a floor-use arrangement, said Jim Bookout, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Affairs and chair of the New Trojan Arena Design Committee. Designed not solely as a sports venue, the arena will be the University's convocation center, providing multi-purpose space for large meetings, commencements, concerts and special events.

Funding for the construction, which is adjacent to the University’s Track and Field Complex on Trojan Oaks Golf Course, is being provided as part of a $62.7 million bond issue. The arena is the second building of a three-building project to get under way. Under construction is the Fraternity Village, a University-owned residential development for the fraternity system. A new dining facility will also be constructed under the bond issue. Private donations are also supporting the construction of the arena.

Trojan Arena's construction will be managed by Whaley Construction Company, Inc., of Troy; it is being designed by Populous and local architect Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood.

Populous has worked with more than 120 universities across the country over its 26-year history. The firm's collegiate arena portfolio includes such recent projects as the Allen Fieldhouse Renovation and Booth Family Hall of Athletics at the University of Kansas; the Mizzou Arena at the University of Missouri; the new University of Minnesota-Duluth Arena; and the new University of Central Florida Arena in Orlando.

"The design of the new Trojan Arena presents Troy University and the City of Troy an opportunity to establish the direction of future development in this part of the campus," said David Bock, Populous designer. "It will reflect the established character of the Troy Campus, express the importance of the Troy basketball and volleyball programs, and celebrate the graduation ceremonies to be held within. Trojan Arena will become the 'Face of Troy.'"

For further information please contact
Gina Leo Stingley at Populous (Kansas City)
Telephone: +1 816 221 1500
Facsimile: +1 816 221 1578
 
Email media@populous.com