JQH Arena gets state-of-the-art scoreboard, thanks to Great Southern

SPRINGFIELD — Today, major new athletic venues have the same distinguishing feature: a state-of-the-art video scoreboard that replays video highlights, displays high-tech graphics and provides real-time information about the game and other events. It has become part of the event experience. Fans expect it.

Now, JQH Arena has joined that select group of venues, thanks to long-time Missouri State University supporter Great Southern Bank. Great Southern has committed a gift to the university for the purchase of a new video scoreboard for JQH Arena, estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $1.8 million.

“What a way to end 2006,” said Missouri State University President Michael T. Nietzel. “This is a terrific milestone for the new arena, and we very much appreciate the generosity of Bill Turner, Joe Turner and Great Southern Bank. It continues a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Missouri State and Great Southern.

“With the design of the JQH Arena grand entrance, the scoreboard will be one of the first features fans see when they enter. It will draw them into the arena and initiate the excitement of the experience. It will be a centerpiece in so many ways, so this is a great announcement to make.”

Groundbreaking for the new $67 million JQH Arena will be 10 a.m. Dec. 21. JQH Arena, named in honor of Missouri State alumnus and Springfield, Mo.-based hotel developer John Q. Hammons, will be built just east of Hammons Student Center. The completion target date is November 2008 in time for the 2008-09 basketball season.

The new arena will have more than 11,000 seats, 22 private suites, more than 100 loge seats, 55 “Jack Nicholson courtside seats,” a Hall of Fame, a team souvenir store and a ticket office. In September, Prime, Inc., owned and operated by Robert and Lawana Low with headquarters in Springfield, made a $1 million gift commitment to JQH Arena for the club, which will be named Prime Overtime.