Beeghly Center facts for kids
| Beeghly Center | |
 |
|
| Location | 1 Tressel Way Youngstown, Ohio 44555 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°6′29″N 80°38′56″W / 41.10806°N 80.64889°W ACoordinates: Extra unexpected parameters |
| Owner | Youngstown State University |
| Operator | Youngstown State University |
| Capacity | 6,300 (1972–2024) 4,641 (2024–present) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | April 27, 1972 |
| Opened | December 2, 1972 |
| Renovated | May 2024 |
| Construction cost | US$5.5 million ($38.5 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Raymond J. Jaminet |
| Tenants | |
| Youngstown State Penguins (NCAA) (1972–present) Youngstown Pride (WBL) (1988–1992) |
|
The Beeghly Center is a large sports arena in Youngstown, Ohio. It is officially called the Beeghly Physical Education Center. This building is a multi-purpose arena, meaning it can be used for many different activities.
The center opened on December 2, 1972. It was named after Leon A. Beeghly, a local businessman. The Beeghly Center is home to the Youngstown State University Penguins sports teams. These teams play basketball, volleyball, and swimming here. The very first event was a basketball game where Youngstown State won against the Ohio University Bobcats.
Contents
History and Upgrades of Beeghly Center
The Beeghly Center has changed a lot since it first opened. It originally had seats for 6,000 people. Over the years, new features and improvements have been added.
Adding More Seats and Features
In the mid-1970s, the Youngstown State women's basketball team began playing at the arena. More permanent seats were added in 1983. These included seats at both ends of the court. Also, 1,260 comfortable chairback seats were placed in the middle of the court.
Special Plaza and Renovations
On September 15, 1996, a special area called Veterans' Plaza was opened. It is right in front of the Beeghly Center. This project honored all United States Veterans. In 2000, the court was repainted. Two new scoreboards were added, and the press area was made larger.
In May 2002, the center had major renovations. These cost more than $2.5 million. New lobbies, hallways, and locker rooms were built. A new sound system was also installed. In May 2024, the seating capacity was updated to 4,641.
What You Can Find Inside Beeghly Center
The Beeghly Center is more than just a sports arena. It has many different facilities for students and the community.
Sports and Fitness Facilities
Inside, you will find an Olympic-sized pool for swimming and diving. There are also courts for racquetball and squash. These areas help students stay active and healthy.
Offices and Classrooms
The center also has classrooms for university courses. You can find administrative offices here too. The offices for the men's and women's basketball teams are located in the Beeghly Center. Other Olympic sports teams also have their offices here.
Events and Activities at Beeghly Center
The Beeghly Center hosts many different events throughout the year. It is a busy place for both university and community activities.
Sports and Entertainment
Besides university basketball and volleyball games, the center holds other events. High school sports competitions take place here. It has also hosted concerts and trade shows. For a time, it even held professional wrestling matches.
Community and Educational Events
Many Youngstown State University classes are held in the Beeghly Center. The Youngstown City School District's "All-City" Science Fair competition happens here. The center is also used for graduation ceremonies every semester.
Important Note About Beeghly Hall
It is important not to confuse the Beeghly Center with Beeghly Hall. Beeghly Hall is a different building nearby. It houses YSU's Beeghly College of Education and also holds classes.
Images for kids
-
Interior 2008
-
Interior 2006
See also
- List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas
