BGSU shows plans for arena

An artist's rendering shows the planned 131,000-square-foot, $36 million Stroh Center.

BOWLING GREEN - Bowling Green State University has unveiled the design of its new arena, a modern building made with metallic materials and walls of windows.

The 131,000-square-foot Stroh Center will be built just off Wooster Street near Perry Stadium. Construction of the $36 million arena will begin next fall and should be complete by late 2011.

"I believe the building is going to be a terrific addition to campus and have not just an impact on athletics, but the entire university and community because of what we will be able to do inside the building," said Greg Christopher, BGSU's athletic director and assistant vice president of student affairs.

The Stroh Center will be the new home of Falcon basketball and volleyball games and be used for graduation and other events.

It was important that the facility retain the home-court advantage of Anderson Arena, where the fans are practically on the court, Mr. Christopher said.

And the last row of seating in the 5,000-seat Stroh Center is only about three to four feet further from the court than at Anderson, he added.

"Once you get inside the bowl, it's going to be very intimate and remind you somewhat of Anderson Arena. But I think it's the amenities around it that will set it apart," he said.

There will be wider concourses, restrooms that meet code, updated concession areas, practice areas for the teams, convenient parking, and more, Mr. Christopher said.

The Stroh Center is named in honor of Kermit Stroh and Mary Lu Stroh, longtime supporters of the university who donated $7.7 million for the new arena - the largest private gift in BGSU's history.