Hammons to finance MSU arena

The $60 million JQH Arena, for which construction will begin this fall and be complete by November 2008, will fill the 450-by-400-foot lot east of Hammons Student Center. A walkway will join the two facilities.

The arena will house MSU's indoor athletics - namely, basketball - while the 30-year-old Hammons Student Center will be used for intramural sports and student recreation.

The 12,000-seat venue also will have 20 private boxes, a private club and other amenities.

MSU plans to raise at least $5 million in cash to add to the $5 million first installment of Hammons' gift. The university then will issue about $50 million in bonds, $20 million of which Hammons will pay the debt service. MSU will pay the balance through private donations, ticket sales, suite sales and entertainment revenue, said university President Michael Nietzel.

“The ultimate impact of JQH arena will extend beyond athletics,” Nietzel said at the morning press conference. “I expect this project to attract not only a lot of attention, but also a lot of support.”

Hammons said he had considered the arena for years but sped the development along when, in August, MSU's name was changed from Southwest Missouri State University - a change that he said proved the school was ready.

“You've got to act right, be right, live right and promote it right,” he said. “I'm glad to be a part of this with you, and I hope you enjoy it.”

Pellham Phillips is the architect for the arena. Click here to see several renderings.[[In-content Ad]]