The University of Southern Indiana provided the media and some alumni a sneak peek of its new Screaming Eagles Arena Monday night.
The arena will be the home of USI’s best known teams, including men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. It will also host USI’s two annual commencements and can be turned into an emergency shelter.
"I don’t even know how to describe it. This looks amazing." says Britney Orth, a 2003 USI graduate.
"It looks very collegial and I think people are going to be really excited to come here and watch games and other events on campus," she adds.
Orth says there was there was a lot of school spirit at USI when she was a student, but the new arena, which seats 4800, could encourage even higher turnout at games. "Go Screagles," she says.
The arena will officially open later this week. General Colin Powell will give a free public talk Thursday at 6 p.m., and USI President Ronald Rochon will be inaugurated the following morning at 10:30 a.m.