Mackey Arena

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2008)
Mackey Arena
Mackey Arena
Location Northwestern Ave
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Opened December 2, 1967
Owner Purdue University
Operator Purdue University
Construction cost $6 Million (1967)
$82 Million (2007 Renovation)
Architect HNTB Architecture (2007 Renovation)
Former names Purdue Arena
Tenants Purdue Boilermakers
(Basketball)
Capacity 14,123

Mackey Arena is a 14,123-seat multi-purpose arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The arena opened in 1967 as a replacement for Lambert Fieldhouse. It is home to the Purdue University Boilermakers men's and women's basketball teams, and occasionally hosts home games for the volleyball and wrestling teams.

Originally named Purdue Arena, in 1972 it was renamed after Purdue alumnus and long time athletic director Guy "Red" Mackey. On December 12, 1997, the floor was renamed Keady Court in honor of longtime men's coach Gene Keady. The circular arena, similar to many built in the 1960s, seats 14,123, and is considered by many as one of the loudest arenas in the nation due to its domed aluminum roof.[citation needed]

In recent years, Mackey Arena has experienced numerous upgrades and improvements, including:

[edit] Mackey Arena Complex Project

On May 18, 2007, the university's board of trustees voted to award a contract to HNTB Architecture of Kansas City, Mo., for an $82 million project that extends from the outer edges of the arena north along Northwestern Avenue to Cherry Lane. A three-level structure is planned north of Mackey and currently is being referred to as the Student-Athlete Development Center. Its highlights include:

  • A sports medicine facility approximately three and a half to four times larger than the current area in Mackey.
  • A strength and weight training facility approximately four times larger than the existing Intercollegiate Athletic Facility weight room.
  • An oversized basketball practice facility with a full-size court and three breakout shooting areas.
  • The Drew and Britney Brees Student Athlete Academic Center, to which the couple donated $2M towards in the fall of 2007.[citation needed]

The concourse width will be approximately doubled, concessions will increase four times (from 12 to 48 points of sale) and restrooms will increase three times for women and by 35 percent for men. In addition, the lower seating sections on the east side will be modified to allow for some premium seats, with club seats (fixed padded stadium chairs) and loge seats (office-style chairs on casters) provided. A limited number of premium courtside seats will be available in the west pit area. Accessible seating will increase approximately six times. Two club spaces will be created, one for general fans on the west side and a premium club to the east.

[edit] References

Carmin, Mike. Mackey Makeover. Lafayette Journal and Courier, June 18, 2006.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
The West Lafayette Campus of Purdue University
Purdue Bell Tower near dusk
v • d • e
Basketball Arenas of the Big Ten Conference
v • d • e
Basketball Student Sections of the Big Ten Conference