Ryan Center

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = The Thomas M. Ryan Center| nickname =


location = 1 Lincoln Almond Plz
Kingston, RI 02881
broke_ground = October 14, 2000
opened = June 20, 2002
website =
demolished =
owner = Univ. of Rhode Island
operator = Global Spectrum
surface =
construction_cost= $54 million
architect = HOK Sport
former_names = URI Convocation Center (project name)| tenants = URI Rams
(Men's & Women's Basketball)
seating_capacity = 7,657

Ryan Center is a 7,657-seat multi-purpose arena in Kingston, Rhode Island. The arena opened in 2002. It is home to the University of Rhode Island Rams basketball. The building is named for Thomas M Ryan, Class of 1975, CEO of Rhode Island-based CVS Pharmacy and lead benefactor of the arena. The general manager is Terry Butler.Fact|date=December 2007

The building opened in June, 2002, five months ahead of schedule. The first game in the arena was a women's basketball game against Kent State University on Nov. 22, 2002, and the first men's game was an upset win against USC on Nov. 26. It was meant to replace Keaney Gymnasium, which was built when the school's needs were for a smaller student population.

The building is recognizable for its three corner towers, which were modeled after lighthouses. (The fourth corner would be where the building meets the Tootell Physical Education Center.) It stands directly next to Meade Stadium, and the original field house and west (visitor's side) grandstands were demolished to make way for the building. There are seven luxury boxes that can view both the basketball floor and the football stadium outside, and new grandstands were built in 2006.

The University of Rhode Island opened the doors to the $54 million, 7,657-seat Thomas M. Ryan Center in June of 2002 and fans have flocked to Kingston for men's and women's basketball games and several big name concerts in the state-of-the-art arena.

The women's basketball team won the first-ever regular season game in the Ryan Center 53-39 over Kent State on Nov. 22, 2002 and four days later the men made their official debut in the building with a 73-71 overtime upset over the University of Southern California. Ever since the Ryan Center has been rocking with the men's team drawing a standing room only crowd of 8,121 against No. 3-ranked Pittsburgh in 2002 and the women's team setting its attendance record with 3,402 fans against St. Bonaventure on Jan. 16. Both the men's and women's teams more than doubled their attendance from the last year in Keaney Gymnasium.

Fun Facts

Rhode Island lighthouses were the inspiration for the design of the three towers, marking the North and South entrances of The Ryan Center. The interior reflects the warm earth tones to mimic the surrounding bech community. Standing 86 feet high and located on the University of Rhode Island campus in scenic South County, the 200,000 sq. ft. building is home to the URI Rams Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams.

A multi-purpose facility, The Ryan Center hosts family entertainment, concerts and other community events. Amenities include two state-of-the-art, full-color scoreboards with video capabilities. The house sound system, designed with acoustic provisions, provides a full range of high power sound to all seats in the venue, including the concourse and Alumni Room, making it suitable for any event. The Ryan Center boasts three tiers of seating in the arena to bring all 7,700 seats close to the action.

No Seat is Further than 74 Feet from the Action! The Arena can also be subdivided to provide a half-house venue for smaller functions. The Event Floor seating retracts to provide space suitable for family shows or trade conferences. A portable stage is available for concerts and performance events and the Event Floor itself can seat up to 500 for a banquet.

Floor Layout

LEVEL 1 "(Event Level)" Houses the Arena, Event Floor, Box Offices, Guest Services, Will Call, The Ram’s Zone Retail Store, Locker Rooms, Kitchen Facilities and Management Offices.

LEVEL 2 "(Main Concourse)" Access to General Seating, Restrooms, The Alumni Room and Concessions, as well as an extraordinary view of Meade Stadium.

LEVEL 3 "(Suite Level)" Features the Luxury Suites. A private venue for prime viewing. THE ALUMNI ROOM is The Ryan Center’s venue for pre-and post-game events. The beautifully outfitted lounge is available as a function room for parties for up to 125 when events are not occupying the arena and is open to Priority Seat Holders with food and beverage service during basketball games. The Alumni Room is also home to the URI Hall of Fame. THE LUXURY SUITES are exclusive and fully furnished, offering VIP treatment for up to twenty people. Each provides an optimum environment for business meetings, client entertainment, family and friend gatherings, holiday parties and more!

[http://www.theryancenter.com/bigfloor.html To View Floor Plan CLICK HERE]

[http://gorhody.cstv.com/genrel/101102aaa.html?pic=1 Indoor Photo CLICK HERE]

EVENTS

"Bob Dylan, The Counting Crows, No Doubt, John Mayer, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Kanye West, Elvis Costello, My Chemical Romance, Evanescance, Ludacris, Barenaked Ladies, Maroon 5, OAR, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lache, Rusted Root, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, Alison Krauss, The Ataris, Black Eyed Peas, Gnarles Barkley, Third Eye Blind, Akon, Boston Pops, Journey, Vince Gill, Chicago, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kidz Bop, Yellowcard, Less Than Jake, Something Corporate, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town,"

HOURS

Box Office Hours "(September to May)"

Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm

Saturday: 10am to 2pm

Sunday: If there is an event, box office opens 90 minutes prior. Hours are extended on event days.

Box Office Hours "(May to September)"

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

Saturday and Sunday: If there is an event, box office opens 90 minutes prior. Hours are extended on event days.

External links

* [http://www.theryancenter.com Official Website]