Photos by Joe Kerlin
For people like Dave Richman, Maren Walseth, A.J. Jacobson, Paul Miller and Roger Kish, their patience was rewarded in 2016 when NDSU’s renovation of the old Bison Sports Arena was complete. In arguably the most transformational part of the project, SCHEELS Center at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex stood tall, replacing the old, dark gym.
To individuals like former Director of Athletics Gene Taylor, the gym inside the SHAC represents the finishing touch on the Division I transition that began more than a decade ago. Today, fans, students and alumni can watch the Bison basketball and wrestling teams compete in bowl-like seating that wraps around the arena.
“From a recruiting standpoint, it’s obviously helpful and it’s a great conversation piece. People do want to come up and check it out and see it. And that’s fantastic toward the longevity of the program. But I’m really excited for the fans in Fargo and Bison Nation to be able to come and experience a first-class facility in a very similar location.” — Maren Walseth, Women’s Basketball Head Coach
Don’t Cha Know?
3! – Paul Miller’s three-pointer in NDSU’s second possession against Concordia on Nov. 2, 2016, were the first points scored in the newly renovated SCHEELS Center.
Anatomy
Opened – 2016
Cost – $50 million
Teams – Basketball & Wrestling
Capacity – 5,700
Features
SCHEELS Center was a part of a bigger renovation project that saw NDSU Athletics upgrade its department offices, equipment room, sports medicine, strength and conditioning and the Bison Ticket Office.
There’s courtside seating on the west side of the floor and a club room on the east side of the concourse.
The new center-hung, four-sided video display system measures 7 feet high, 18 feet wide on the east and west sides and 9 feet on the north and south sides.
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