SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Valor Center on Friday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. as part of its homecoming celebration. The outdoor ceremony will take place in the northwest corner of campus near the Ashcroft Center. The public is invited to attend.
When constructed, the 70,000-square-foot state-of-the-art sports complex will host the university’s basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer programs.
The arena portion of the facility is 40,000 square feet and will include a home-game court and two full cross courts for practices and tournaments, a VIP lounge and box suites, a concourse with concessions and gathering spaces, support and staffing offices, locker rooms, and meeting rooms. Seating capacity is expected to be around 1,300.
The Randy Rowden Training Facility will occupy 30,000 square feet on the south side of the Valor Center, and will include VIP box seating overlooking the north end zone of Coryell Field. The facility will house Evangel’s football and soccer programs, as well as athletic director’s offices and operations. It will also include a state-of-the-art strength training room, athletic medicine hub, and a 2,500-square-foot multipurpose room for campus events and meetings.
The Valor Center’s south entrance plaza will serve as a student venue for pre- and post-game gatherings, and additional parking for the venue will be developed near its north entrance.
The Valor Center, including the Randy Rowden Training Facility, are two major projects included in Evangel’s Here. Now. campaign, a $24 million fundraising effort launched this summer. Other projects include the complete remodel of Walther Hall dormitory and the installation of an artificial turf lighted intramural field.
Collectively, these projects represent the first major building effort on Evangel’s campus since the construction of the Ralph M. Riggs Administration Building in 2009.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.