MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – NMU officials re-dedicated the Vandament Arena today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony ushering in a new era for NMU’s athletic facilities. University President Brock Tessman says it all.
“There are really great days to be a Wildcat, and Today is one of those really great days to be a Wildcat,” said President Tessman.
Vandament Arena will now serve as the home court for Wildcat Volleyball and Women’s and Men’s Basketball. The newly re-dedicated venue will have a larger court area and four-sided stadium seating for 1,400. Fans will immediately see the new modernized look, new and more efficient lighting, new digital big screen scoreboards, upgraded seating, and visual displays inside the arena and in the hallway that highlight the three programs. Previously, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams practiced in the Vandament but played their games in the Berry Events Center, where they shared the facility with Northern’s Men’s Hockey Team. Athletic Director Rick Comely says this is a win for all the teams involved.
“And so it’s fresh, it’s bright, it’s helping with recruiting already. I think they believe we care, and I think this shows that we do care,” said Comley.
The 2.8 million dollar project will save money in the long run as it is very expensive to switch from the wooden floor used in basketball and volleyball to the ice sheet for hockey. Having a facility strictly dedicated to only one playing surface is more efficient and convenient for the athletes. Woman’s Basketball Player CJ Romero sees this updated arena as a ringing endorsement for their sport and a confidence builder for the players.
“Having the community and all these people behind us, it really means a lot and gives us confidence and excitement and all these things to really perform for them this season,” explained Romero..
The ceremony also included remarks from former NMU President Vandament’s widow, Margery. Both were huge fans of NMU athletics.
