Tarleton’s state-of-the-art EECU Center officially opens to throng of supporters.
- Sara Vanden Berge
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
TSU Media Relations
Special to Beneath the Surface News
Tarleton State University celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the art EECU Center in front of a crowd of passionate supporters Thursday morning.
With the capacity to welcome up to 8,000 for basketball games and more than 10,000 for concerts, the two-story multipurpose arena immediately transforms the entertainment options available in the region.
Concerts, conventions, symposiums, conferences and basketball games are some of the events possible to host inside the facility.
Commencement ceremonies can also be moved indoors dependent on weather, providing a valuable contingency.
“Today is a truly special day for our institution and the community,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.
“This new state-of-the-art venue allows us to serve the needs of the university while also providing a premier NCAA Division I basketball arena for our Texans to compete in. We are grateful to The Texas A&M System Board of Regents, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and our partners at EECU for making this vision a reality.”
Inaugural events include a performance by comedian Leanne Morgan as part of her “Just Getting Started” tour Sept. 7 and Texas singer-songwriter and Tarleton State alumnus Koe Wetzel returning to campus for a concert Sept. 13.
Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
“The EECU Center is going to give our students a first-class place to compete, perform and come together, and it’s going to bring new events, visitors and opportunities that benefit the whole community,” said Chancellor Hegar.
“This is a big win for Tarleton State and for the region. This is what happens when strong institutions and strong partners work together — you create opportunities that will be felt for decades."
Featuring 148,000 square feet of space, the $130 million EECU Center features a portable, maple-wood flooring system to allow for smooth installation and removal as needed.
“This incredible facility showcases Tarleton State’s commitment to the economic prosperity and life satisfaction for those who call Stephenville, Erath County and the surrounding areas home,” said state Sen. Brian Birdwell (District 22).
“Generations to come will experience many cherished memories inside the EECU Center.”
Top-of-the-line sound, lighting and video technology, plus a center-hung scoreboard, will ensure a first-class spectator experience.
With nearly 300,000 members and over $4 billion in assets, EECU has served the region for more than 90 years. The locally-owned financial institution secured the naming rights to the new arena in May.
“The official opening of the EECU Center marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Tarleton State University,” said EECU President and CEO Lonnie Nicholson.
“This remarkable facility is more than a state-of-the-art venue — it stands as a testament to our shared vision of advancing education, strengthening community connections and shaping the future of North Texas.”
Tarleton State’s new arena also includes custom locker rooms, an integrated nutrition center, a sports medicine suite and a dedicated entrance for coaches and student-athletes.
