Tarleton State Breaks Ground on $110 Million Event Center

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Officials with Tarleton State University in Stephenville on Tuesday broke ground on a “long-awaited dream,” a $110 million, two-story multipurpose arena that will house NCAA Division I basketball facilities and room for academic convocations, symposiums, conferences and conventions.

The Texas A&M System approved the budget and construction in May, with move-in set for 2025. Construction dollars are coming from Revenue System Financing bonds and are part of Tarleton’s capital plan approved by the Board of Regents.

“As a comprehensive national university, we have a moral and social obligation to deliver an outstanding student experience while simultaneously spurring community prosperity and enhancing economic opportunity,” said Tarleton State President James Hurley in a statement. “With this new facility, we’re doing just that.”

“This long-awaited dream is now a reality. The center will be a point of pride for the entire region and will bring national acclaim to Tarleton State University.”

Seating nearly 10,000 for concerts and up to 8,000 for basketball games, the center will provide a permanent indoor home for convocations and commencements, and the city of Stephenville will enjoy increased income from community and regional events.

“It’s one thing to talk about it, but today it’s happening,” Sharp said. “The shovels are in the ground. You’re going to see dirt turning here in no time, and before you know it, we’ll have the finest arena west of the DFW Metroplex. This is truly a great day for Tarleton State University, North Central Texas and the entire Texas A&M University System.”

At 148,000 square feet, the Event Center will include custom locker rooms, an integrated nutrition center, a sports medicine suite, and a dedicated entrance for coaches and student-athletes. A portable, maple-wood flooring system will make installing and removing the specialized gym surface a snap without sacrificing player safety or performance.

PBK is the architect, and Vaughn Construction is the contractor.

A founding member of The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton State offers degree programs for more than 16,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, at A&M-RELLIS in Bryan, and online.

Said District 59 state Rep. Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville): “Finally, we have a venue in the heart of Stephenville for the community and students to gather, enjoy concerts, celebrate milestones, cheer on Texan basketball and move commencements indoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate. I can’t wait for the grand opening.”