Events Center tower becomes the tallest structure at CBU

 

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016)—A new iconic symbol at California Baptist University achieved its full 100-foot height as the last portion of the Events Center north facing tower was lifted into place on Nov. 17.

Sundt Construction workers spent several hours preparing to hoist the final tower section into place. Weighing more than 6 tons, the topmost section was flown by crane and secured in place shortly after 11 a.m.

The tower is now the tallest structure on campus and is the latest milestone for the new Events Center arena that is scheduled to open in April 2017, in time for spring commencement activities.

“Watching the tower go up is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Steve Smith, director of

Facilities and Planning Services, told a small audience who had gathered to watch the tower be hoisted into place. 

The Events Center is being built adjacent to the CBU Recreation Center. The north-facing front entrance will be located on Lancer Lane. The design of the two-level building complements the Mission Revival architecture style that is a hallmark of the CBU campus. The centerpiece of the 153,000-square-feet building will be a more than 5,000-seat arena that will showcase some of the CBU athletics teams competing in the PacWest Conference and NCAA Division II.

Besides athletics, the arena also will provide space for CBU’s chapel program attended by nearly 5,000 students weekly during the academic year. Other uses planned for the Events Center include student orientation activities and commencement ceremonies that are held each spring and fall.