IU Celebrates ‘New Era’ With Assembly Hall Unveiling
One new feature is a $1+ million scorebaord.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana University unveiled Friday a $150 million renovation to Assembly Hall. The project was supported by the largest gift in IU athletics history: $40 million from Cindy Simon Skjodt, whose name now appears on the venue.
The dedication ceremony also included a nod to the new Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology, a student broadcasting center located in Assembly Hall that the university touts as the first-of-its-kind.
President Michael McRobbie said "today’s event ushers in a new era in the history of one of college basketball’s most iconic and venerable venues. This beloved building, which has been home to three national men’s basketball championship teams and where millions have enjoyed so many unforgettable experiences, has been transformed in a way that both respects its storied history and ensures that the next generation of Hoosier fans will be able to grow their own memories in a safe, comfortable, exciting and enjoyable environment."
Athletic Director Fred Glass said "our objective was to preserve for future teams and generations of Hoosier fans the greatest homecourt advantage in college basketball. The vision and generosity of Cindy Simon Skjodt and other donors have enabled us to not only preserve it, but to dramatically enhance it. I think our fans will find that we have maintained the best qualities of this iconic building while substantially improving the fan experience. Mark Cuban’s gift and the establishment of the Cuban Center will put Indiana University at the cutting edge of sports media and technology, differentiating us from our competition."
Highlights of the improvements include a new grand entrance and south lobby, the Ken Nunn Champions Plaza, a more than $1 million new scoreboard, additional and upgraded bathrooms, interactive IU sports history displays, new flooring, lighting and paint schemes, expanded concession stands, new Henke Spirit of ’76 Club for special hospitality seating, improved media facilities and enhanced accessibility.
IU calls the renovations "substantially complete," but says more work will be done throughout the season. The first major event at the revamped Assembly Hall will be Hoosier Hysteria on October 22. The building first opened in 1971 and now holds up to 17,222.
You can connect to more about the renovations by clicking here.