SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Construction on Missouri State University’s new $67 million JQH Arena officially began today (Dec. 21) with a groundbreaking ceremony. The new arena, located on the parking lot just east of Hammons Student Center, is scheduled to open in November 2008 in time for the 2008-09 basketball season.

Plans for the new arena were announced in February, following a gift commitment of $30 million by world renowned hotel developer John Q. Hammons. The new arena is named in his honor. Over the years, support from Hammons has made possible several facilities on the Missouri State campus, including Hammons Student Center, the Hammons Fountains, Hammons House, and Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

Hammons was among those participating in the groundbreaking ceremony today. Others included Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel, JQH Arena Steering Committee Chair Greg Onstot, Athletics Director Bill Rowe and Lady Bears Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson; representatives from the design team of Ellerbe-Becket and Pellham Phillips; and representatives from the construction management firm of J.E. Dunn.

“This is a special day in the history of Missouri State University,” Nietzel said. “The JQH Arena will be a signature facility for the campus and a magnet for Springfield and the Ozarks. We look forward to watching it come out of the ground over the next 23 months. It should be spectacular.”

Many steps have already been taken for the new arena. Great Southern Bank has committed a gift to the university for the purchase of a new state-of-the art video scoreboard, estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $1.8 million. Prime, Inc., owned and operated by Robert and Lawana Low with headquarters in Springfield, made a $1 million gift commitment to fund the new 4,500-square-foot club, which will be named Prime Overtime. The 22 private suites have been leased, most for seven years at $32,500 per year. The 100 loge and the 55 courtside “Jack Nicholson” seats are being pre-sold. The push for season tickets will begin in April of 2007.