Tuesday marks the opening of a brand new, $28 million arena on the campus of Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers. But the school says the impacts of this new arena, from economic to a better choice of entertainment options, will go well beyond sports.
The Buc Bash, a school-sponsored tailgate party, will kickoff at the brand new Suncoast Credit Union Arena before Tuesday night's men's and women's home openers.
$28 million went into constructing the new home for the basketball and volleyball teams. The 75,000 square feet arena will seat approximately 3300 fans.
The arena, which is just off Summerlin Road, will be the new host for the popular City of Palms Basketball Tournament. But it's not just for sports. The school says early next year it will begin bringing music acts, plays, and trade shows to the arena as well.
A few of the amenities include six skyboxes, competition courts that convert into recreational courts, and an athletic center with a fitness pavilion.
The Bucs Bash starts at 4 pm, just before the women's game against Hillsborough Community College, which tips off at 6 pm. The men take the court at 8pm against Broward College.
