Construction on NIU’s 215,000-square foot arena is underway as crews began pouring the first concrete base early this month.

Further concrete work won’t be done until August, and steelwork is projected to begin later that month. The building is scheduled to be complete in fall 2002, a year after breaking ground.

Convocation Center director John Gordon said they also will start to book concerts, trade shows and other events in August.

“It is not set in stone because of weather and other factors, but as the steelwork begins, we should be able to start scheduling a variety of events at the cutting edge facility for 2002,” Gordon said. “We hope these events will create a unity between the city of DeKalb and NIU.”

The arena will seat up to 10,000 people for events, compared to the 4,500 maximum capacity of the Chick Evans Field House. Basketball and volleyball also will play their home games at the facility, and the retractable bleachers uncover a state-of-the-art track.

“NIU athletics is about to embark on a new beginning, as the center should catch the attention of more patrons through its attractive accommodations, along with the new basketball coach acquisitions,” Gordon said. “This is definitely one of the premier athletic facilities.”

In a Feb. 26, 2000, issue of Amusement Business Magazine, NIU placed its first ad for the center to attract future business. Gordon wants to spread the word to let people know what to expect.

“Since we put in that ad, we have received many inquiries and positive feedback by agents who are excited about both the location and size,” Gordon said. “People are interested and excited about this facility because it is not only needed at NIU but in this location to benefit the public as well.”

The NIU homepage, www.niu.edu, includes a link to the arena Web site containing information on the project and a Webcam, which was installed Feb. 21 and sits atop Stevenson South B-Tower, displaying 24-hour construction progress.

The site was designed by Jennice O’Brien, Web designer for the NIU Office of Public Affairs, and Jeremy Norman, a studio art and design major and Northern Star online editor. Norman works on the site independent from his work at the Star.

“Currently, the purpose of the Web site is to keep the community and students informed on the center’s development,” O’Brien said. “Once events are scheduled, we will expand the site to keep the public as fully informed as possible.”

Also on the Web site, visitors can submit comments or suggestions and look at future employment within the center. Gordon wants to make sure communication is open.

“I encourage people to visit the Web site and state any ideas or comments they might have,” Gordon said. “I am looking forward to working with students, the people of DeKalb and the Campus Activities Board.”

The majority of the funding for the $36 million multi-purpose arena is coming from student fees.

“Since this is the students’ facility, funded from the students’ pockets, I definitely want to hear what they have to say, and possibly get them involved in any way they can,” Gordon said.

Gordon and NIU want to accomplish three specific objectives with the center.

“First, we want to provide another outlet for educational opportunities with various fairs, shows and conventions, while also enhancing the quality of entertainment on campus,” he said. “Second, we want one of the top facilities in the state, with accessibility to many people. Lastly, we think all people of DeKalb deserve it, and create a sense of community with the various family events and trade shows.”