Oklahoma State University Athletics
Groundbreaking Date Set for OSU Athletic Center
June 21, 1999 | General
October 27, 1998
STILLWATER, Okla. - As boisterous Cowboy fans were "raising the roof" at Lewis Field Saturday night, Oklahoma State University officials announced their plans to raise another roof on campus - literally.
In a special presentation between the third and fourth quarters of the OSU- OU football game, Pistol Pete (suspended 100 feet above the field by a crane) unveiled a banner announcing the Athletic Center Groundbreaking, set for Jan. 12, 1999. The 4:30 p.m. ceremony coincides with Bedlam basketball at 8 p.m. in Stillwater.
With a seating capacity of 6,381, Gallagher-Iba Arena is currently sold out for men's basketball. The expanded arena will feature approximately 12,500 seats, but the majority of those are already spoken for, according to Dean Lee, assistant athletic director for development.
"Fans wanting to see the Cowboys in the 2000-2001 season should act quickly," he said. "Tickets for men's basketball are in great demand. With student seating taking up one-third of the arena, new orders pouring in daily and renewals from current season ticket holders, there are only about 2,000 seats left. We expect they will all be spoken for by early next year."
Standing nearly as tall as the football press box, OSU's new Athletic Center will encompass the existing Gallagher-Iba Arena. In addition to expanded seating capacity, the facility will feature a state-of-the-art academic center, strength and conditioning facilities, coaching and administrative offices, a wrestling center, training room, auxiliary gym, ticket box office and locker rooms. Also included are fan amenities such as roomier seats, elevators and escalators, wider concourses, expanded concession areas and restrooms, luxury suites, plus a Heritage Hall celebrating OSU's proud history and rich tradition, both on and off the playing field.
Construction bids are due by Nov. 12, and the OSU/A&M Board of Regents will select a general contractor at their Nov. 20 meeting. The grand opening of the completed Athletic Center is set for fall, 2000.
Fans wanting tickets to see the Cowboys in the expanded arena are encouraged call the OSU POSSE office at 405-744-7301 for details.
