December 18, 2003

SLU Announces Arena Location

The SLU Arena will be highly visible from Interstate 64-40.

ST. LOUIS -- Saint Louis University announced today that it will build its new arena on campus, along Laclede Avenue, west of Compton Avenue.

Construction will begin following the completion of fundraising; $40 million is needed to begin the project. Currently, the University has commitments of $10 million in private donations toward this goal.

A view from the lower bowl of the arena.

“The selection of this location is a milestone in this landmark project,” said SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J. “We must stay focused, however, toward our fundraising goals. I have faith in the community and our supporters. Together, this dream can soon become a reality.”

Locating the arena on campus offers exciting opportunities for SLU students. The new arena will be a short walk from the newly renovated Busch Student Center and from most resident halls. It will be located in the Billiken Sports Center, which is home to SLU’s soccer, baseball and softball facilities. With its smaller, more intimate setting, the new arena will provide a true home court advantage for the Billiken basketball programs.

The new home of SLU's men's and women's basketball teams, the arena will provide a true home-court advantage.

Another advantage of the arena location is its visibility from Interstate 64-40. With 50 million motorists driving past the arena location every year, the arena’s visibility offers an excellent opportunity for benefactors and corporate sponsors.

Under the leadership of Biondi, SLU has been a catalyst in the revitalization of Midtown St. Louis. This commitment will continue with the construction of the arena. The new arena will be located two blocks from Grand Center, which will allow people, who come to the arena for an event, to also spend time in the arts-and-entertainment district.

Additionally, the construction will add new revenues from increases in employment, surrounding property values and sales taxes.

The 13,000-seat arena is designed to be a true multi-purpose campus events center. Student life at SLU will be enriched through the variety of educational, cultural, entertainment and athletic events hosted at the arena. The proposed arena project is projected to cost approximately $70 million.

Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of 11,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives. Learn more about SLU at www.slu.edu.

Related links:

• Learn more about the arena!

• You can help make the arena a reality for SLU
  and Midtown St. Louis. Donate now!

• View photos from Thursday's news conference.