Arkansas Tech University will celebrate the 50th anniversary of John E. Tucker Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 24.
The observance will take place at halftime of the Golden Suns’ home basketball game against the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
“We are really excited to celebrate this special milestone for Tucker Coliseum,” said Abby Davis, ATU director of athletics. “Tucker has been home to so many special moments that are central to the history and legacy of Arkansas Tech, both as an institution and as an athletic department. Through numerous graduations to the rafters and hallways being filled with championship banners across all our sports, Tucker Coliseum is a true landmark on our campus.”
During the halftime celebration, a commemorative banner will be unveiled and several integral figures associated with the beginnings of Tucker Coliseum will be honored on the court.
According to Dr. Kenneth R. Walker’s “History of Arkansas Tech University: 1909-90,” the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees prioritized the construction of a new special events center as early as December 1971.
Dr. Thomas A. DeBlack wrote in “A Century Forward: The Centennial History of Arkansas Tech University” that Gov. Dale Bumpers signed a bill in March 1973 that allowed Arkansas Tech to build the center at a cost of $2,562,649. The design called for a 211-foot diameter steel frame dome over the arena and a total square footage of 68,035.
Matson Construction Company broke ground on the special events center project on April 15, 1974. The facility was designed by the architectural firm of Mott, Mobley, Horstman and Griffin.
In October 1975, Arkansas Tech announced that the special events center would be named John E. Tucker Coliseum in honor of “The Original Wonder Boy,” who went on to render nearly a half-century of service to Arkansas Tech as a coach, administrator and chemistry professor.
Construction of Tucker Coliseum was completed in December 1975 and it hosted its first basketball game on Jan. 8, 1976.
Tucker Coliseum was dedicated during a ceremony on Jan. 20, 1976. Gov. David Pryor served as speaker for the event.
