CMU to open new events center Dec. 1

With the new month, a new facility will be opening on Central Michigan University's campus, hosting sports, entertainment and cultural events for the university and the community.

The CMU Events Center will have its official grand opening Dec. 1. It's a multipurpose 94,000-square-foot facility built just adjacent to the existing Rose Center. The addition cost $22.5 million.

The first things it will host are a series of celebrations extending through winter break and into 2011, including tours, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the CMU men's basketball home opening game.

It will house five CMU teams: men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling. It also will host events both public and private, like the school's graduation ceremonies, concerts, business expos, and speakers.

"The Events Center opening marks a new era at CMU," says Stan Shingles, CMU's assistant vice president for university recreation, events and conferences. "This facility equipped with modern amenities enables CMU to address a variety of university and community needs and enhances the cultural and entertainment opportunities for the university and the surrounding communities."

CMU faculty and staff will be the first to tour the new events center on Dec. 1, along with media. Tours open to students and the public will follow, and the doors will officially open at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The men's basketball opener, against Temple University, will begin at 7 p.m. in the center's McGuirk arena.

As the new center gets into the swing of the winter season, other upcoming events will include winter commencement ceremonies, the women's basketball home opener, wrestling and gymnastic meets, a concert by Ke$ha, and other events.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source; Stan Shingles, Central Michigan University