From from the President
In the life of a university, there are only a few opportunities to build a special facility. Thanks to Mr. John Q. Hammons, this is that kind of moment for Missouri State University.
Construction on the JQH Arena has begun and we want you to be a part of this terrific opportunity, starting with the first tip-off in November 2008. I invite you to review details about the new Arena and complete the season ticket form. Be part of something special. Be part of the first group of season ticket holders at JQH Arena.
Michael T. Nietzel
President
JQH Arena
With a $30 million gift from Missouri State alumnus and Springfield, Mo.-based hotel developer John Q Hammons, construction has begun on JQH Arena, the new home to the MIssouri State Bears and Lady Bears basketball teams and an iconic tribute to Missouri State intercollegiate athletics.
The arena, located adjacent to Hammons Student on John Q. Hammons Parkway, will contain more than 11,000 seats - including 50 courtside seats - The Grand Entrance, 22 suites, a club and other amenities. The design also includes shell space for home locker rooms, offices and a training room, which can be completed later. For now, the current Hammons Student Center facilities will be used for these functions, with a connecting corridor to JQH Arena.
Building a new basketball arena has been a long-time dream for Missouri State. Establishing one as grand as JQH Arena will allow Missouri State to live up to its name, be a magnet for Springfield and make the community proud. The JQH Arena will impact recruiting efforts, putting the basketball programs on par with other Division I schools in the country as we move into the 21st century. The new arena will be a premier basketball facility that will give Missouri State an overwhelming home-court advantage and make the Bears' and Lady Bears' games the place to be in Springfield.
In addition, JQH Arena will qualify to host women's NCAA postseason games and will be an ideal place to host local, regional and statewide high school events, plus concerts and other public events.
| JQH Arena | Compare to Hammons Student Center | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seats | 11,000 | 8,858 |
| Chairback Seats | 9,637 | 4,658 |
| Seats Reserved for Students | 1,363 (bleacher back in end zone) | 380 (in lower level) |
| Lower Bowl Seats | 6,030 | 2,119 |
| Permanent Disabled Seats | 120 (plus 120 seats for companions) | 24 (plus 24 seats for companions) |
| Courtside Seats | 55 | 0 |
| Private Suites | 22 | 0 |
| Loge Seats | 114 | 0 |
| Concourse Width | 20-25 Feet (exterior to seating bowl) | 4-6 Feet |
| Public Restroom Stations | 168 (98 women, 70 men) | 72 (28 women, 44 men) |
| Concession Stands |
6 with 42 Points-of-Sale (plus 12 additional portable locations) |
4 with 16 Points-of-Sale (plus 8 additional portable in side gyms) |
| Elevators | 2 | 1 |
| Seats for Concerts (Estimated Max.) | 10,542 with end stage | 6,400 with end stage |