2009 Foundation Annual Report - University Blogs - Missouri State ...

JQH Arena is an iconic tribute to MissouriState University intercollegiate athletics.Named for Missouri State alumnus John Q.Hammons for his lead gift of $30 million,the ceremonial groundbreaking was heldDec. 21, 2006; the last major supportbeam was hoisted into place April 8, 2008.Its official opening blanketed the monthof November with a sold-out concert andback-to-back historic wins.Legendary rockers, the Eagles,performed to a packed house of more than10,000 fans Nov. 13. The inaugural eventshowcased the arena’s state-of-the-artrigging, sound and light capabilities.The Missouri State Bears and LadyBears basketball teams showed theirappreciation for their new home byposting home-opener wins. The first gamein the arena was played Nov. 22, whenthe Bears drew a 62-57 victory over theArkansas Razerbacks. Students and fansrushed the court following the momentouswin. The Lady Bears followed suit witha 62-51 win over Arkansas State thefollowing evening.As the largest on-campus basketballfacility in the Missouri Valley Conference,the arena not only boasts seating capacityof more than 11,000, but also a museumlikeexhibit that tells the story of MissouriState’s first century of athletics. Hundredsof artifacts, news clippings, game ballsand uniforms are behind glass in theimpressive Legacy of Competition. Thecenterpiece is the interactive displaythrough which fans can recall theaccomplishments of more than 300student-athletes and coaches inducted intothe Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame.A number of alumni, friends and areabusinesses have contributed toward thearena. Recognition of these gifts are seenthroughout JQH Arena.Inaugural event at JQH Arena, performance by the Eagles.First game at JQH Arena, Bears victory over the Arkansas Razerbacks.26. 2009 Annual ReportMissouri State University Foundation27.