Riverside, Calif. (June 23, 2016) – Site found for a 153,000-square-feet building at California Baptist University—check. Foundation dug out and cement poured for CBU's new Events Center that will seat 5,050 people and can expand to more than 6,000 seats—double-check. All steel beams set in place, including the framework for the 100-foot tower that will adorn the building's north side—triple check, exclamation point.  

California Baptist University along with Sundt Construction hosted a Topping Out Ceremony on June 22, celebrating placement of the symbolic last steel beam for the Events Center.

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis addressed a crowd of university dignitaries and other CBU staff along with the construction team from Sundt.  

Ellis thanked the Sundt crew and other contractors for their work on the project. He also noted anticipation for future athletic events to be hosted in the arena, the applause of friends and family for future graduates and the weekly chapel services that will fill the arena with worship. 

Dr. Micah Parker, athletic director at CBU, found himself in awe standing in the middle of the construction site.

"It is humbling to stand in the middle of the Events Center and think about all the great things that are going to happen there," Parker said. "So many people are working to make this a special place that will serve our students well and allow us to showcase great student-athletes to the Inland Empire community." 

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 arena is scheduled to open in April 2017, in time for spring commencement activities.