Broken Arrow Public Schools is excited to start construction on a brand new, 114,560 square foot student events center as part of the 2015 bond issue passed by voters.
The new facility will feature six new classroom spaces; a 3,000+ seat auditorium space that can be used for fine arts performances; practice spaces for wrestling, cheer and volleyball; an expanded training facility to grow career pathways; an expanded Varsity Club meeting space that will double as a lecture hall for student groups and classes; and a new Tiger Threads apparel commercial store front.
“From providing a large venue for live fine arts performances to all-staff professional development opportunities, athletic events and student activities, the student event center is going to meet a number of needs in the district,” Superintendent Chuck Perry said. “The additional classroom space is also a great benefit to our high school campus. I truly believe that this will be a place that will be a home for both our students and entire community.”
The center will be built just south of Memorial Stadium on the Broken Arrow High School campus, utilizing the existing parking area for the Varsity Training Center.
That facility will also receive upgrades, including six new classroom spaces and a lab space, which will join the new events center and create a plaza between the stadium and the center. New project pathways for students will be introduced, including classes for sports medicine, sports media, sports management, various health classes and more.
“When I think about this new facility, I immediately think about the young people who will realize their fullest potential and learn life skills while under its roof,” Chief Student Engagement Officer Steve Dunn said. “It will become one of the most used spaces in the community by students and staff from all parts of the district. Whether it be an athletics practice or event, an indoor percussion competition, or a schoolwide assembly with a guest speaker, this facility is going to provide endless opportunities for many decades to come.”
With additional parking spaces and a public entrance on the southwest corner, the Special Events Center will also house athletic programs ranging from seventh grade to seniors, as well as local youth community programs.
Additionally, the district’s official apparel store, Tiger Threads, will find a permanent home on the northeast corner of the events center with ease of access directly off County Line Road. This is a vast improvement over its current location inside the entrance of the high school, where patrons had a hard time finding the store. This will also help improve security for the high school campus as visitors will not have to enter the school to shop for Tiger gear.
“I’m excited for the new career pathways that will be created utilizing the student event center and cannot wait to see all of our students and high school faculty under one roof demonstrating what it means to be a Broken Arrow Tiger,” Perry said.
Construction is set to begin with a groundbreaking on May 31, 2022. Updates about the events center will be available on the district website at www.baschools.org. Watch this ArrowVision video to learn more.