United Supermarkets Arena

United Supermarkets Arena
Entertainment Showcase of West Texas
Former names United Spirit Arena (1999–2014)
Location 1701 Indiana Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79409
Coordinates 33°34′52.54″N 101°53′11.89″W / 33.5812611°N 101.8866361°W / 33.5812611; -101.8866361Coordinates: 33°34′52.54″N 101°53′11.89″W / 33.5812611°N 101.8866361°W / 33.5812611; -101.8866361
Owner Texas Tech University
Operator Texas Tech University
Capacity 15,098 (2001–present)
15,050 (1999–2001)
Surface Hardwood
Construction
Broke ground March 26, 1997
Opened October 1, 1999
Construction cost $62.775 million
($89.3 million in 2016 dollars[1])
Architect Rosser International
Joe D. Mckay AIA Architects
Project manager Hill International
General contractor Centex Construction Co.
Tenants
Texas Tech Red Raiders (NCAA DI) (1999–present)

United Supermarkets Arena (previously the United Spirit Arena) is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The 15,098-seat arena opened in 1999 and is home to the Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball, Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball and Texas Tech Red Raiders women's volleyball teams.

History

The City of Lubbock proposed replacing the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum with a new arena named after Buddy Holly. The proposed Buddy Holly Arena was to be located next to the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Downtown Lubbock, not on the Texas Tech University campus. A public referendum for a tax increase to build the arena failed to pass by as few as 600 votes. Texas Tech decided to move construction to an on campus facility with private donations on the university's campus.

The arena was financed from a $500 million fundraising endeavor undertaken by John T. Montford, the first chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.[2] Ground breaking began on March 26, 1997.[3] The arena opened on October 1, 1999, at a cost of $62.775 million.[4]

Design

The arena features a Spanish Renaissance exterior facade, matching architectural style of the rest of the Texas Tech University campus. Architects for the project included Joe D. Mckay AIA Architects, and Rosser International. Hill International was the project manager, and the general contractor was Centex Construction Co.[5][6]

Standing at the southeast entrance of the arena is the 8-story Victory Tower. At 96 feet (29 m), Victory Tower is the 16th tallest structure in Lubbock.[7]

Naming rights

Until 2014, the venue was known as United Spirit Arena.

Lubbock-based supermarket chain United Supermarkets purchased the naming rights to the facility under a 20-year, $10 million naming rights agreement with Texas Tech University in 1996. Until 2014, the arena was known as United Spirit Arena. Following a 10-year, $9.45 million naming rights extension, the arena was renamed United Supermarkets Arena. Funds from the 10-year naming rights extension will go towards facility renovations.[8]

Usage

Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball

NCAA Tournaments

Other

References

  1. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Community Development Project. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  2. "John T. Montford a Powerhouse at Tech, in Politics". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 11, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  3. "Texas Tech Breaking New Ground". Amarillo Globe-News. Associated Press. March 27, 1997. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  4. Altenbaumer, Kara (October 1, 1999). "A Grand Time on Tap for Unveiling of Spirit Arena". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  5. Fuquay, John (April 27, 1999). "Tech to Test Integrity of United Spirit Arena Balcony". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  6. "Buildings: Sports Facilities". Hill International. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  7. http://www.emporis.com/building/victorytower-lubbock-tx-usa
  8. http://www.texastech.com/genrel/050214aaa.html
  9. Rosetta, Randy (November 20, 1999). "Despite Falling Short, Red Raiders Pleased". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Archived from the original on February 21, 2006. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  10. Rose, Rex (February 26, 2014). "Tech breaks Big 12 attendance record, falls to Kansas State". The Daily Toreador. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  11. Gilbreth, Kristin (June 21, 2002). "Spears Not Returning Despite Arena Officials Plea". The Daily Toreador. Texas Tech University. Retrieved November 24, 2007.
  12. "Tickets on Sale Now for WNBA Game in Lubbock". Texas Tech Athletics. April 2, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2007.
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