GCU Arena
| Grand Canyon University Arena | |
|---|---|
| GCU Arena | |
 The Grand Canyon University Arena at dusk. |
|
| Location | 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 |
| Coordinates | 33°30′32″N 112°07′44″W / 33.509°N 112.129°WCoordinates: 33°30′32″N 112°07′44″W / 33.509°N 112.129°W |
| Broke ground | June 25, 2010 |
| Opened | August 2, 2011 |
| Owner | Grand Canyon University Education Inc. |
| Operator | Grand Canyon University Education Inc. |
| Architect | 360 Architecture |
| General contractor | Perini Building Company |
| Capacity | 5,000 |
| Tenants | |
| Grand Canyon 'Lopes men's & women's basketball | |
The Grand Canyon University Arena is a 5,000-seat, 135,000-square-foot multi-purpose entertainment and athletics facility in Phoenix, Arizona, that is owned and operated by Grand Canyon University. The arena is the home of Grand Canyon University 'Lopes men's and women's basketball teams and other athletic events.[1]
History
The Grand Canyon University Arena officially opened its doors on September 2, 2011, just 15 months after the University announced the project.[2] The construction of the arena was part of the University's $200 million dollar campus expansion and growth. It will regularly host Christian and secular concerts, outside performances, speaking engagements, Grand Canyon University athletic events, and commencement ceremonies.[3]
In addition to the arena, the university is in the process of upgrading the athletics facilities,[4] building new classroom space,[5] dormitories, and other educational facilities on campus.[6][7]
Sports teams and other events
The GCU Arena is home to Grand Canyon University's ‘Lopes men’s and women’s basketball.[8]
GCU plays host to Christian and secular concerts, outside performances, speaking engagements, athletic events, and commencement ceremonies. Previous acts include: Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, M-1 Global Challenge, Switchfoot, Pandora’s Unforgettable Moments on Ice featuring David Archuleta and Manheim Steamroller, Lady Antebellum, and Third Day.
On October 14, 2012, the arena hosted TNA Wrestling's 8th annual premiere pay-per-view of the year, Bound for Glory.[9]
Facility information
There are over 5,000 seats in the 135,000-square-foot arena. There are also five concession stands (including three pizza ovens), 17 restrooms, four locker rooms, two escalators, two elevators, two grand staircases and a total of four high definition video boards and one high resolution digital ribbon board. [10] The state-of-the-art video boards were installed by Atlanta-based Innovation Sports Marketing. [11] The main video board measures 15 feet tall by 35 feet wide and weighs around three tons.
Design for the facility was done by 360 Architecture and Tempe-based Architekton. [12] When construction of the arena was complete there were a total of 255,000 man hours, 8,870 yards of concrete, 41,000 bricks, 793 tons of structural steel, 75 miles of electrical wiring, and 2,300 light fixtures.
Notable features include large windows providing natural light, ceiling beams signed by GCU employees and students, a vault of Bibles buried at center court and an outdoor balcony with views of the Camelback Road campus.[13] There are only 42 steps from event level to concourse level to ensure that every seat in the arena is a good one.
References
- ^ Phoenix Business Journal by Angela Gonzales (2010-06-25). "Grand Canyon University breaks ground on events center - Phoenix Business Journal". Bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ Luis says: (2011-09-02). "GCU Today » A Year’s Wait Is Over: Welcome, GCU Arena!". News.gcu.edu. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "GCU Arena bringing Christian-friendly shows to Phoenix". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "GCU Today » Formal Groundbreaking for New CAS Building". News.gcu.edu. 2011-10-18. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "The Arizona Republic: Valley & State". Azcentral.com. November 7, 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "Privacy Policy | Grand Canyon University". Gcu.edu. 2008-06-19. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "Grand Canyon University - Athletics - Phoenix, AZ - School Sports Team". Facebook. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "TNA's Bound For Glory PPV Is Coming To Phoenix, Arizona On October 14". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. 2012-07-05. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
- ^ "Grand Canyon University". Gcuarena.com. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "Innovation Sports Marketing". Innovationsports.net. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "Architekton". Architekton. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
- ^ "GCU Today » Bible Buried in Arena Center Court Ceremony". News.gcu.edu. 2011-05-05. Retrieved 2012-11-07.
External links
| Events and tenants | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Liacouras Center |
Host of Bound for Glory 2012 |
Succeeded by TBD |
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