The newest addition to Saint Louis University’s campus, Chaifetz Arena, is nearing completion, with a little more than a month left until its official dedication and open house on April 10.
Darius Dunn, the arena’s general manager, said that structurally, everything is essentially complete. Now, the finishing touches are being put on the arena in preparation for the official opening, he said.
“There’s a lot of little stuff, but the major stuff, when you think about construction, is pretty much wrapped up,” Dunn said. “But there’s still minor little projects going on here and there.
“We will be training new employees, testing the systems, stocking supplies, cleaning inside, putting on final touches right up until that day, but we will be ready for you on April 10,” he said.
Jeff Fowler, University spokesman, anticipates curiosity about the new facility from not only the SLU community, but the greater St. Louis community, as well.
“Everybody’s seen it from the outside,” Fowler said, “but when they actually get to go inside and see this building, it really is very cool-I mean, it looks great.”
The University is expected to move ahead with publicity for the arena as the dedication and official opening draw nearer.
“We know there’s a tremendous amount of interest not only on campus, but among local media about the building,” Fowler said, adding that the University will alert local media when they can come in for previews of the arena in a few weeks.
The dedication will feature an open house, and, according to Fowler, namesake Richard Chaifetz, M.D., will be in attendance. The event will be free of charge and open to the public. Fowler encouraged anyone who has an interest in SLU athletics or in viewing the arena to attend.
Meanwhile, Student Activities Board President Ainsley Onstott is looking forward to the SAB-sponsored student opening on April 26 at noon.
“Thus far, I think the arena hasn’t generated that good of a buzz around campus, and I’m just hoping that students will come out and enjoy [the event],” she said.
Onstott said the event will feature a variety of activities, including an outdoor carnival, carnival-style foods from chartered student organization vendors and a free concert in the evening. The Student Government Association is co-sponsoring the event.
Onstott said that SAB has blocked out 8,000 seats in the arena, which, according to the arena’s official website, has 10,600 seats total.
“I know everybody wants to see the arena, and I really think it’d be a good opportunity for all the students to get out there and make good use of their student activity dollars,” Onstott said.
Admission is free for students, and there will be a reduced ticket price for faculty, staff, SLU alumni and parents. General admission tickets will also be available.
The Harlem Globetrotters will stop by on their world tour on April 11. Following that, a high school basketball all-star tournament will take place on April 12. The event most SLU seniors are looking forward to-commencement-will be held in the arena on May 17.
