The ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the AGFinancial Arena is expected to be a highlight of homecoming festivities this week at Evangel University.
The 70,000-square-foot athletic venue located on the western edge of the Springfield campus is the first construction project of this magnitude since 2009.
Evangel plans to cut the ribbon alongside local and state leaders at 9:45 a.m. Friday at the new home for the football, soccer, basketball and volleyball programs.
The $22.6 million project was funded through private donations, including a $10 million “matching challenge” offered by the Green family, which owns Hobby Lobby and Mardel. AGFinancial provided a “significant sponsorship,” which was described as a capstone gift.
Homecoming officially kicked off Tuesday with Valor Volleyball, undefeated in conference play this season, taking on its long-time rival College of the Ozarks. The game was set to start at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
A homecoming concert featuring groups and ensembles from Evangel’s Music Department will be 3 p.m. Friday in the Barnett Recital Hall. Admission is free.