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Missouri State University will induct its new JQH Arena tomorrow night as the Men’s Bears basketball team squares off against the Arkansas Razorbacks. KSMU’s Nathan McVay traveled to the new arena to get a feel for what this means to the community.
The women’s basketball team was still getting a feel for the new arena at this afternoon’s practice.
After nearly two years of construction and $67 million dollars spent, Missouri State University students will begin trickling into the new JQH Arena tomorrow night.
The Bears will play the Arkansas Razorbacks in front of a sold out crowd of over 11,000 students, faculty and fans.
Rick Kindhart is the sports information director for MSU. The excitement of a new season coupled with the opening of the arena has him looking forward to tomorrow night.
“I think it is going to be an incredible atmosphere. And again I think I would not want to be the opposing team coming in here Saturday night. Our students and our fans will really be able to bring their excitement to another level when they come in here” he said
The student section in the new arena is nearly three times the size of that in Hammons Student Center, the former home to the Bears basketball teams. MSU sophomore Luke Dye says he can’t wait to cheer for his school in the new arena.
“I expect it to be crazy, just wild and a great atmosphere and a great game.
The arena is the largest on-campus basketball facility in the Missouri Valley Conference Some of the new features include a state-of-the-art scoreboard, 22 private suites, more seating for the disabled, and a hall of fame.
The Bears, who started the season with a loss at Auburn and a win at Central Michigan, will play the undefeated Razorbacks at 7:05 tomorrow night. For KSMU News, I’m Nathan McVay.