University unveils expanded event center, arena

Texas State University rededicated the newly-expanded University Events Center and Strahan Arena with a ribbon-cutting October 6.

The $62.5 million expansion project – which began in November 2016 – added approximately 81,000 gross square feet to the multi-use complex, as well as an additional 1,800 seats to Strahan’s capacity by building out the eastern side of the arena. 

Texas State President Denise Trauth, Texas State Athletic Director Larry Teis and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Karl Benson delivered remarks before the ribbon-cutting. Tours of the expanded facility followed.

The pressing need to accommodate Texas State’s increasing student population with seating and space in Strahan for commencement, convocation and special events was the driving force behind the project. The additional capacity will enable the university to more effectively manage commencement services for its ever-growing number of graduates. For the 2017-2017 academic year, Texas State awarded a record 8,552 degrees, and followed that up with a record-setting freshman class of 6,087 for the 2018 fall semester, a 3.6 percent increase over the previous record set in 2017.

Proud Texas State University sports fan Martha Ann King holds up an article from the May 26, 1982 edition of the San Marcos Daily Record about the then newly built Strahan Coliseum that she brought to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-expanded building.

Department of Athletics offices, currently housed in Jowers, will relocate to new facilities in the University Event Center. This will allow the consolidation of the Department of Health and Human Performance in the vacated Jowers space.

The project also expanded athletic locker rooms, offices and support spaces for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, women’s volleyball, visiting teams and game officials. The new main entrance, pedestrian plaza, elevator, restrooms and concessions are major upgrades to the overall experience for guests.

The expanded University Events Center is the new, centralized home for Texas State Athletics. The arena itself is now known as Strahan Arena at the University Events Center.

University Events Center

• Cost: $62.5 million
• Size: 81,300 gross square feet
• Construction began: Nov. 2016
• Scheduled completion: Nov. 2018
• Arena seating: Increased by over 1,800
• New: plaza, club level suite, training and locker rooms, centralized athletic offices and a chilled water plant.