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Drury University announced its plans today (December 19) to build a new athletic and events arena on campus. The O'Reilly family of O'Reilly Automotive pledged six-million-dollars towards the new 12-million-dollar arena. KSMU's Jana Greer has more.
Those are the cheers and applause of the audience as Drury University's President Todd Parnell announced the plans for Drury's new arena, the O'Reilly Family Event Center. The 12-million-dollar arena will have four thousand seats including box seating, an area for athletic training and rehabilitation, and an events hall that will feature a panoramic view of the Springfield skyline. Parnell says the new arena will make Drury more competitive in many ways.
The arena will have the ability to host a wide range of events such as concerts, graduations, community events and will be big enough to host NCAA Division II tournaments. The O'Reilly family has many Drury graduates and David O'Reilly says they are excited to donate the money to the arena.
The new arena will face Summit Street and will be tied into parts of Weiser Gym and Hutchens HPER. Weiser Gym will be converted into a student center with a fitness and activities area. Drury is expecting the other half of the money to come from fundraisers and other private donations.