East Texas A&M University marked a milestone on Thursday, March 27, with the formal groundbreaking of its highly anticipated Event Center. The university leadership, community members, and distinguished guests attended the ceremony to mark the commencement of a project that will transform athletics, entertainment, and community events in Northeast Texas.
Located on State Highway 24 on the south edge of the Commerce, Texas, campus, the state-of-the-art building is designed to be a multi-functional facility. Although it will serve as the home court for the university’s basketball and volleyball teams, the $70 million Event Center will also host major events such as concerts, conventions, graduations, and special university events. The project is envisioned as the anchor of a future event district, enhancing student life and fostering greater community engagement.
State-of-the-Art Venue with Modern Amenities
The 65,000-square-foot building, designed by architecture firm Gensler and constructed by Hoar Construction, will include renovated amenities, including approximately 2,500 stadium seats, a loge box with 40 seats, a training room, video scoreboards, and state-of-the-art technology for live events. Additional amenities include two multipurpose press rooms, two suites, four locker rooms, and eight offices for coaching staff. Beyond the arena proper, the East Texas A&M new event center will feature a vast plaza area, outdoor entertainment district with a performance stage, Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, and over 800 new parking spaces.
Gensler senior designer Ana Kurzan described the project’s vision, stating that the Event Center will embody the campus and regional spirit. “This building is designed to be a beacon of triumph, embracing wins, celebrations, and moments of pride for the entire community. The architecture expresses both the grace and ruggedness of a lion in motion.”
East Texas A&M Athletics Director Jim Curry noted the facility’s far-reaching impact. “This Event Center is not just for the university—it’s a catalyst for regional growth. It will serve Commerce, Hunt County, and beyond, strengthening our ties to the surrounding community.”
The Event Center is only the beginning
The Event Center is only the beginning of a more extensive master development plan. Which envisions the inclusion of additional retail and entertainment facilities. The subsequent phases can be augmented with an auxiliary gym, additional dining establishments, and a hotel, all within an attempt to create a lively, student-centered complex.
When completed, the Event Center will catapult East Texas A&M to a new level of distinction as a premier sports, entertainment, and student activity venue. It will enhance campus visibility, attracting more students and visitors to the campus and provide new opportunities for area businesses and organizations. As a vibrant focal point of activity, it will play a significant role in shaping the future of the university and its presence in Northeast Texas.
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East Texas A&M University Event Center Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Southern edge of Commerce, Texas campus, along State Highway 24
Total Investment: $70 million
Size: 65,000 square feet
Completion Goal: Ongoing construction
Key Facility Features
Primary Functions:
Home court for basketball and volleyball teams
Multi-purpose venue for concerts, conventions, graduations
Seating Capacity: 2,500 stadium seats
Special Amenities at East Texas A&M’s New Event Center
40-person loge box
Video scoreboards
Two multipurpose press rooms
Two executive suites
Four locker rooms
Eight coaching staff offices
Training room
East Texas A&M New Event Center: Project Partners
Architectural Design: Gensler
Construction: Hoar Construction
Lead Designer: Ana Kurzan
Surrounding Development
Outdoor Plaza
Entertainment Zone with Performance Stage
Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant
800 New Parking Spaces
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