Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Set to Open New Arena
December 15, 2000 | Cowboy Basketball
Dec. 15, 2000
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Two years of anticipation will culminate Tuesday with the opening of OSU's new Athletics Center, the home of Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Oklahoma State University and Manhattan Construction officials announced today that the Gallagher-Iba Arena court and adjacent seating will be ready for Tuesday night's men's basketball game with Arkansas-Little Rock.
However, since construction on many auxiliary facilities continues, much of the Athletics Center will be off-limits to the general public.
"Through hard work, we have accomplished the basic project objective," said Stephen McDonald, Manhattan project manager for the Athletics Center. "Manhattan, and the entire construction team, is very happy to be opening Gallagher-Iba Arena to the public.
"We certainly hope the public will like the end result," continued McDonald. "We are not completely finished with the Athletics Center project, so we hope fans will not be disappointed if there are some unfinished areas. We hope the unfinished areas do not inconvenience the fans in any way. Please bear with us, and these areas will be completed very soon to allow the entire facility to be used as designed."
There will be several areas of the Center that will be inaccessible to the general public, including the auxiliary gym, the academic center, Heritage Hall and Pete's Authentic Gift Shop. As with the past two years in the building, all of the public entryways will look very much like construction areas. Fans are encouraged to exercise caution when entering the building.
Tickets are available for OSU's first three men's basketball games -- Tuesday vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, Dec. 22 vs. Lamar and Jan. 3 Texas-San Antonio -- in Gallagher-Iba Arena, as well as several other events. The OSU women's basketball team plays its first home game Dec. 29 against West Virginia, and the wrestling team opens in Gallagher-Iba on Jan. 4 against Oregon. Fans interested in purchasing tickets may call the OSU Athletic Ticket Office at (877) ALL-4-OSU.
Athletics Center Frequently Asked Questions
What parking is available?
POSSE parking tags apply for basketball unless the tag specifically says "football." Information has been mailed to season-ticket holders regarding parking.
How early does the building open to the public?
The building opens 90 minutes before tipoff for men's basketball games and one hour before the start of women's basketball and wrestling events.
Where does the public enter the facility?
The public will enter the facility through doors on the north and south ends of the east side of the Athletics Center. Those needing wheelchair access or holding floor or suite tickets will use the doors just off Knoblock Street on the south or the doors next to the north parking lot (considered the west side of the north and south public entrances).
Explain the process of entering the Athletics Center.
Tickets are torn when fans enter the building. A majority of people will proceed to their seats through the main east lobby and take the escalators to the concourse. The northwest and southwest gates are intended as pass gates and for student entrances. Fans also have access to several stairways that will lead to the concourse, as well as two elevators, one in each of the northwest and southwest corners.
What fans are able to enter the arena on the floor level?
Only students and individuals that have tickets for floor seating (sections AA through HH) will be allowed to the floor level.
Will there be signage telling fans where to go?
There will be some signage, but fans should look for ushers in yellow vests for directions to their seats.
Will all concession stands and restrooms be functional?
All concession stands and restrooms on the concourse are expected to be available, and selected spots on the ground floor will be available.
Will fans have access to the court after the game?
OSU Athletics is taking every precaution to protect the newly painted, 62-year-old floor of Gallagher-Iba Arena. For that reason, fans will not be allowed onto the playing surface after the game.
Why are tickets available for games over the holidays even though the building is sold out?
While classes are not in session, OSU provides the general public with an opportunity to purchase the tickets usually reserved for students. The student ticket package does not include the first three games in the building, which take place while school is not in session.
Will there be any ceremony related to Tuesday's game?
No. The ceremonial dedication of the arena is Monday, Jan. 8, when OSU faces Iowa State on Big Monday.
Will the scoreboard's video capabilities be operational?
No, it won't be this year. The scoreboard is finished, but the video component has not been installed.
Fans or other interested parties with more questions should feel free to submit them using the feedback links on this page.
