MSU committee helps plan JQH Arena events

The Q-1 Committee held its first meeting Monday.

“First and foremost, JQH Arena is a basketball venue …, but our second goal is to provide an entertainment venue that puts Springfield back on the map for tours of all kinds,” MSU President Michael Nietzel said in a news release. “The goal of the Q-1 Committee is to take the first step toward that goal.”

MSU Director of Athletic and Entertainment Facilities Randy Blackwood is committee chairman, and other members from MSU are Vice President for University Advancement Brent Dunn, Director of Bands Jerry Hoover, Chief of Staff Paul Kincaid and Diversity Outreach Coordinator Wes Pratt. Local professionals on the committee are: Michael Brothers, James Clary, Les Garland, Mike Ingram, Teresa Ollis, Ron Spigelman, Meghan Stack-Chambers and Scott Tarwater.

The committee is tasked with suggesting about 12 major shows for the 2008-09 year and providing ideas about how to best promote the arena’s first year, according to the release. Over the next three months, the committee will survey the university and the community to identify a format for the first year and acts or artists to target for shows.

The $67 million arena is under construction and will be complete by the 2008-09 basketball season.