96-04-03 Ground Broken for Schottenstein Center

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER

     COLUMBUS --  Tuesday (4/2), before a large crowd of friends 
and supporters of the athletic program, Ohio State University 
President E. Gordon Gee and Athletic Director Andy Geiger each 
drove a bulldozer across a muddy field to break ground on Ohio 
State's new Schottenstein Center.

     Located at the northwest corner of Lane Avenue and Olentangy 
River Road, the $84 million state-of-the-arts sports and 
entertainment complex will house the Value City Arena for 
basketball and hockey events.  

      "I am delighted that we are beginning work on this 
remarkable multi-purpose facility," President Gee told the 
guests.  "It is thanks to the generosity of the Schottenstein 
family and our many friends that we are able to undertake this 
project.  Their support truly makes a difference."

     "We also deeply appreciate the support of the Ohio General 
Assembly for what will be the premier collegiate arena in the 
nation," Gee told the guests. "As a gateway to the university, 
this center will symbolize Ohio State's commitment to our 
students, alumni and friends, to our community, and to our 
future."

     In addition to President Gee, speakers at the ceremony 
included Vice President for Student Affairs David Williams II, 
Ohio Senate President Stanley Aronoff, and University trustee 
George Skestos.  Jay Schottenstein, chairman and CEO of 
Schottenstein Stores Corp., spoke on behalf of the Schottenstein 
family.  A $12.5 million gift from Schottenstein Stores Corp. and 
Value City Stores helped make the new facility possible.  

     The facility, which features four tiers of seating, will 
hold 21,000 for concerts, 19,500 for basketball and 17,000 for 
hockey.  (St. John Arena, by contast, has fewer than 14,000 
seats.)  The new facility is designed to be adaptable for use in 
a variety of University and community events, including concerts, 
ice shows, and other programs which the university has been 
unable to host because of the size of St. John Arena and the Ice 
Rink.

     The university has already raised $12.7 million of a $26 
million seat licensing goal.  It has raised $13.2 million in 
naming opportunities for the new building and hopes to raise 
another $10-$12 million through additional naming opportunities..  
The remainder of the $84 million construction costs will be paid 
with a $15 million appropriation from the state of Ohio and bond 
sales.  After construction, the arena will be self-supporting.  
No tuition money is being used to pay for this project.

     The facility was designed by Moody/Nolan Ltd. Inc. of 
Columbus, and Sink Combs Dethlefs of Denver.  Construction 
managers are Gilbane Building Co. in association with Banks 
Carbone Construction Co. and Resource International Inc. It is 
scheduled for completion by the 1998-99 academic year.

     Following the ceremony, several thousand guests were invited 
to attend a reception at St. John Arena.

                             #

CONTACT: Andy Geiger, director of athletics, (614) 292-7572.


[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Wed, 3 Apr 1996 07:51:20 -0500]
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