INSIDE BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
BU dedicates new Events Center
By : Sarah Lifshin
President Lois B. DeFleur and State Senator Thomas Libous dedicate Binghamton University�s new Events Center last week during the ceremony, which attracted about 450 members of the campus and local community, along with state and local officials.
“This Events Center has literally risen from the ground and we are here today to recognize the many individuals and groups who helped make this possible,” said President Lois B. DeFleur, as she addressed a crowd including state and local officials. The facility is expected to play host to hundreds of athletic, educational and community events each year.
In remarks, DeFleur was joined by State Senator Thomas W. Libous; Elizabeth D. Capaldi, SUNY vice chancellor and chief of staff; John F. Spring, chair of the Binghamton University Council; and Joel Thirer, BU director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. DeFleur thanked both campus and community members, along with state and local officials, for their continued support throughout the facility’s planning and construction. “They all came together and helped us with this shared undertaking,” she said. “We are deeply appreciative for all they have done.”
“The community should be proud that we have a world-class facility to show off,” Libous said. “This Events Center will not only add more prestige to Binghamton but also to our top state system. We need to tell everyone how great it is.”
“This will serve the students and University well,” Capaldi said. “It will also help a nationally ranked University attract visitors from other areas, and will enhance the visibility of Binghamton University and the entire community.”
Work will continue through the spring and summer on strength and conditioning rooms, the remainder of the locker rooms, coaches’ offices, the addition of portable north-end bleachers and some special Bearcat Box seating. The Events Center provided an estimated $65 million in economic impact and created 1,000 jobs for the Southern Tier during its construction.
“This is helping us build the legacy of Binghamton University,” Thirer said. “This Events Center will benefit students and the many who enter Binghamton University in the years to come.”
Upcoming events for the facility include hosting Commencement ceremonies Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16; a Harry Connick Jr. performance June 25; the Empire State Games from July 28 to August 1; and the America East Conference championship tournament in men’s basketball next March.
Cooperation among Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering, PC; contractor Welliver McGuire, Inc. of Elmira; the State University of New York Construction Fund; and the University’s own Physical Facilities Department set a standard for other capital projects and allowed the Events Center to open early for basketball during the 2003-04 season.
