Business & Tech
Viewfinder: Anderson Center Walkthrough
An up-close look at UMW's equivalent of the Roman Colosseum.
Athletes at the University of Mary Washington have a new, almost palatial arena in which to showcase their prowess. The university styles the building, named after former UMW President Emeritus William M. Anderson, Jr., as a "multi-use convocation facility", but this jargon doesn't quite convey the improvements which this generation of UMW athletes has witnessed between this year and last.
The 52,000-square-foot building officially opened last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 25. It had been under construction since September 2009. The new arena seats 2,000 spectators for athletic events and more than 3,000 people for special events and concerts.
According to Marty Morrison with UMW's public affairs office, the Anderson Center "will accommodate larger audiences for university events and will provide an inclement weather location for the many outdoor programs planned throughout the academic year."
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Seven flat screen LCD television monitors are stationed at various points along the main corridors, which are adorned with trophy cases reminding visitors of the athletic program's triumphant past.
Coaches' offices and a "President's Box" (think corporate luxury suite at the Verizon Center) make up the inner membrane of the facility's upper level.
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The main arena hardwood is pristine. It's at least three times the size of the previous gym at Goolrick and will bring a D-1 atmosphere to basketball at UMW.
There will be ample seating, with identical accommodations on both sides of the stadium. Bleachers on the left and right sandwich a true arena seating section, complete with row and seat numbers.
The new scoreboard has an accompanying video monitor that will be used for highlights and player introductions.
As far as locker rooms go, think NBA mixed with Augusta National members' quarters. They're that nice. In the very likely event that the awesomeness of the arena overcomes patrons with hunger, there's a fully-equipped concessions station.
Expect a very different atmosphere for UMW indoor athletics in 2011, and a massive increase in school spirit.
To see the Anderson Center's first NCAA action, attend September 7th's volleyball season opener against Marymount University at 7 P.M.
