Art Smith Arena
The beautiful Art Smith Arena opened
its doors for the first time in August of 2012 and is the home
arena for Alma College's volleyball, men's and women's basketball
and wrestling teams. In addition, the 2012-13 school brings
competitive cheer on campus and they will be able to compete in the
fine facility.
The college has held the past two
commencements in the air conditioning facility and the building has
hosted numerous speakers, concerts and other student
activities.
The arena is designed to be Alma
College’s first LEED-certified building, the nationally
recognizable mark of sustainable construction. Sustainable
components include use of recycled content in ceiling panels,
carpet, floor tiles, bleacher construction and sub-floor, along
with maximized energy performance, water use reduction measures,
and Energy Star-compliant roof system.
In addition, the GreenPlay hardwood
basketball floor, one of the first in the country, meets enhanced
standards for sustainable construction.
Art Smith seats 2,430, with
additional floor seating of 600 available for non-athletics events.
The handicap accessible facility has a ground-level entrance, new
elevators and a 6,600-square-foot lobby with new concession stand
and restrooms. The basketball arena features theatre-style seating
on the “home” side of the court.
“When people walk into this
new facility for the first time, they will see an arena, not a
gymnasium,” said Alma College Athletic Director John Leister
at the grand opening. “The horseshoe seating around the
playing court will be more convenient for viewing games, and the
electronic video board is amazing. People will be entertained by
the facility as well as the competition.”
The first home volleyball match in
the Art Smith Arena was played on Wednesday, Sept. 15, when the
Scots hosted Trine University. The men's and women's basketball
teams played their first contests in the arena in November of
2010.
The arena is named in honor of Art
Smith, a 1938 Alma College graduate who left a lifetime legacy as a
teacher and coach. A member of the Alma College Hall of Fame, he
taught and coached at Alma from 1956 through 1978 and served as
director of athletics. A $1 million gift from his estate was
designated for the Hogan Center addition.
The arena’s basketball court
is named The C.S. and Marion McIntyre Foundation Court is
recognition of a major gift from the foundation.
