Frank Erwin Center

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = The Frank Erwin Center
nickname = "The Drum", "The Superdrum"


location = 1701 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701
broke_ground = 1977
opened = 1977
closed =
demolished =
owner = The University of Texas
operator = The University of Texas
surface = Hardwood/Turf
construction_cost = $34,000,000 USD
architect = B.W. Crain, Jr.
former_names = Special Events Center
tenants = Texas Longhorns (NCAA) (1977–present)
Austin Wranglers (af2) (2004–2008)
seating_capacity = 16,755 (Basketball)

The Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center — usually just The Erwin Center in common usage — is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. It is also sometimes referred to as "The Drum" or "The Superdrum", owing to its drum-like appearance from outside (not to be confused with Big Bertha, the large bass drum used by the University of Texas marching band). The facility is primarily the home court for the UT men's and women's basketball programs, and is also home to the Austin Wranglers of the af2.

Facilities

The center, intended to replace Gregory Gymnasium, cost $34 million to build in 1977. UT began a three phase renovation of the center in 2001 and finished in 2003. The building is named for former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin, who was instrumental in the university making great strides in the expansion of its facilities during his term.cite news | url=http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&change_well_id=2&url_article_id=124 | title=University of Texas Facilities | publisher=Texas Sports | accessdate-2006-11-10] Originally known as the Special Events Center from 1963 to 1975, the facility was renamed in 1980 to honor Erwin, who had died that same year. The University has been in recent discussions about selling the naming rights for the Erwin Center.

Located right next to downtown Austin, Texas, The Erwin Center is generally accepted to be Austin's current premier venue for large public and private events, with seating for up to 16,755. The center holds many diverse events ranging from concerts to wrestling events and private banquets. The Erwin Center also hosts the semifinals and finals of the University Interscholastic League boys' and girls' basketball playoffs in all five classifications.

External links

* [http://www.uterwincenter.com/ Frank Erwin Center]

References