Oklahoma State University Athletics
Concession Stands On Order For Athletic Center
September 16, 1999 | General
Sept. 16, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. -
By Fred Minnick
Athletic Department Intern
Along with fresh popcorn and cold pop, crazed Cowboy cronies will feast their eyes on the recently remodeled concession areas in the new Gallagher-Iba Arena. Starting with the 2000-01 season, Poke fans can say goodbye to long, tiresome lines.
"Before, there haven't been that many concession stands on the ground floor, and the ones we did have were small and didn't serve very much," said Gary Sparks, owner of Gary Sparks Companies. "Not only are we increasing the number of concessions on the ground floor, we are also adding many (concessions) on the concourse level. It will be a lot more open and more counter space, which will cut out congestion."
However, Cowboy fanatics will face concession congestion problems this year.
There are four ground-floor concession areas in Gallagher-Iba. But due to the May fire, the two east concessions are the only areas promised to be finished by Nov. 1, 1999, according to Manhattan construction officials. A Manhattan news release says that the damaged areas may be finished in time for the season, but they are not guaranteeing it.
Sparks said fans will see a change in Gallagher-Iba by the season opener, and he urges spectators to be patient and realize the arena is in the middle of a construction zone.
"A lot of spaces will not be 100 percent completed by the first game of this year," said Sparks.
Doug Schiefelbein, food and beverage manager of the Swanson Corporation, said he is looking forward to having 10 concessions.
He said the 70-foot counter tops would benefit fans and workers.
"The amount of concession stands will be tripled, and it will make it easier for people to place the orders," said Schiefelbein. "In the past, we have had to restock during the concession rush. In the future, all of the supplies will be in the supply rooms of the concession stands."
In addition to more concessions and larger counter spaces, the areas will feature terrazzo floors that are predominately white with orange and black accents.
"They are going to be really nice," said Jill Sparks, interior designer for Gary Sparks Cos. "They will incorporate school colors with paint that is really durable."
Jill Sparks said the colors will give it a bright OSU look, but it will not be as noisy.
"We are using white acoustical ceiling tile," said Jill Sparks. "The ceiling will absorb the noise, and it will be easier to access electrical and mechanical needs."
Though the construction crew is a long way off from completion of all the concession stands, progress has been made on the two concession stands scheduled to be ready for the season opener.
Manhattan has built partitions, installed overhead mechanical and electrical facilities, prepared flooring and finished the doorframes.
