New IWU Basketball Arena Groundbreaking on October 18
October 14, 2024 (Marion, Ind.) – On Friday, October 11, the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Board of Trustees approved the proposed 80,000-square-foot I AM THIRD basketball arena. This comes after months of planning and careful consideration regarding the facility’s expected impact on the Marion campus and greater Grant County area. While fundraising is underway, two lead gifts have allowed the project to move forward. Funding from an anonymous donor and Project 29 (courtesy of the Lilly Endowment) will help with covering many of the early costs.
“I’m excited to see how it will inspire school spirit, unite our students, and become a central hub for events and engagement. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this incredible new space,” shared President Kulaga. “This is a ‘now and not yet’ moment for Indiana Wesleyan University. We are breaking ground now, with over 80% of the necessary funds in hand, but we aren’t there quite yet. This allows us to lock in construction prices and cap the total cost of the facility. With the help of new gifts, we anticipate our first games in the arena to take place in December 2026, along with new sports in club men’s and women’s basketball and men’s volleyball.”
Board of Trustees Chair Carl Shepard also shared, “We have had the dream of a new facility to showcase both our ministry and excellence for many years. It is with a grateful heart and an answer to many prayers that we plan to break ground on the I AM THIRD arena.”
This Friday, October 18, will mark the beginning of the I AM THIRD Arena’s construction. The groundbreaking will take place on the IWU-Marion Campus between Martin Hall and the Recreation and Wellness Center at 4:00 PM. The event will feature IWU Basketball Coaches Dr. Greg Tonagel, Ethan Whaley, and Dr. Jeff Clark as well as former and current players. Attendees will also include Vice President of University Advancement John Jones, IWU Board Trustee David Dimmich, Campus Pastor/Dean of Spiritual Formation Dr. Andrea Summers, Mayor Ronald Morrell Jr, President Dr. Jon Kulaga, and the IWU Marching Band.
Vice President of Student Development and Athletics Dr. Mark DeMichael said, “This arena is something I’m certain will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on students, staff, and the capabilities of our school in general.” All members of the IWU family are welcome to attend this historic groundbreaking event.
