MSU meets arena fundraising goal

That number, reported by MSU President Michael T. Nietzel during the Board of Governors’ Jan. 19 mid-year retreat, includes the $5 million in private funding the university committed to raise for construction of the facility. It also covers $2.2 million in additional enhancements, such as a video scoreboard and home locker room facilities.

Springfield businessman John Q. Hammons is providing the lead gift of $30 million.

University officials this week plan to identify the most recent donors for JQH Arena, as well as for other academic and athletic areas.

JQH Arena, named for Hammons in recognition of his gift, is slated for completion in time for the 2008–09 basketball season. The facility will have more than 11,000 seats, 24 private suites, more than 100 loge seats, 55 “Jack Nicholson courtside seats,” a Hall of Fame, a team souvenir store and a ticket office. JQH Arena is under construction just east of Hammons Student Center, with a connecting corridor between the facilities.