On Aug. 22, 2023, Tarleton broke ground and began the construction of the new event center. 

This event center will primarily be for the basketball teams, but will also be used for business conferences, academic conventions, musical concerts, commencements and more. 

The event center budget is $110 million. It is 148,000 square feet, two stories tall and will be able to hold up to 10,000 people. 

Similarly to the new football athletics center, this event center will consist of locker rooms, a suite for athletics trainers, and a nutrition bar. The event center will also have a special entrance for athletes and coaches only. 

“As a comprehensive national university we have a moral and social obligation to deliver an outstanding student experience while simultaneously spurring community prosperity and enhancing economic opportunity. With this new facility, we’re doing just that,” Dr. James Hurley, Tarleton State President, said in the official news release for the event center. 

This event center has not only gained the support of Texas A&M’s Board of Regents and Chancellor John Sharp, but also state representatives Shelby Slawson and DeWayne Burns. 

“The shovels are in the ground. You’re going to see dirt turning here in no time, and before you know it, we’ll have the finest arena west of the DFW Metroplex. This is truly a great day for Tarleton State University, North Central Texas and the entire Texas A&M University System,” Chancellor Sharp said. 

The event center is set to open sometime in Fall 2025.

“Thanks to the unwavering support of Chancellor Sharp and the A&M System Regents, this long-awaited dream is now a reality. The center will be a point of pride for the entire region and will bring national acclaim to Tarleton State University,” Dr. Hurley said. 

For updates on the event center, visit tarletonsports.com.