UVa-Wise will gain a major event center

Good news for Wise, Va!

WISE — After nearly a decade working toward the goal, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise has announced it will begin construction of a $30 million convocation center that will be able to host both college and community events.
Virginia Del. Terry Kilgore joined Chancellor David Prior and other dignitaries to announce the plans yesterday morning.
The center, which is being constructed to seat 3,000 for sporting events and another 1,000 for concerts or other activities, is the largest single capital project in the college’s history.
Plans call for the center to be located adjacent to the Humphreys-Thomas Field House at Carl Smith Stadium facing Stadium Avenue.
Officials hope to open the doors of the new facility in September 2010.
Funding for the project is the result of legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly this year. The legislation authorizes nearly $1.5 billion in higher education construction funding over the next two years for institutions around the state.
Addressing the group assembled for the announcement, Kilgore noted the money for the center was taken out of the funding package three times on the day before the measure passed.
“Finally, due to strong support from Southwest Virginia’s legislators, it worked and now it’s the law,” he said.
Kilgore noted that the facility is “essential” to the college’s future growth, and said it will also provide a much-needed venue for the community to host regional events.
Prior agreed.
“This represents a unique opportunity for the region,” he said. “If one looks around the area, there isn’t another site that serves this purpose.”Coalfield Progress

Long awaited and much needed.

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