RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – On Saturday, January 24, the Arkansas Tech Department of Athletics will formally celebrate the 50^th anniversary of one its most iconic facilities, Tucker Coliseum. The celebration will take place at halftime of the Golden Suns basketball game against Arkansas-Monticello. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
 
"We are really excited to celebrate this special milestone for Tucker Coliseum," noted ATU Director of Athletics, Abby Davis. "Tucker has been home to so many special moments that are central to the history and legacy of Arkansas Tech, both as an institution and as an athletic department; through numerous graduations to the rafters and hallways being filled with championship banners across all our sports, Tucker Coliseum is a true landmark on our campus."
 
During the halftime celebration, a commemorative banner will be unveiled and several integral figures associated with the beginnings of Tucker Coliseum will be honored on the court.
 
Fans will also have the chance to be a part of this commemorative celebration with special edition Tucker Coliseum 50^th Anniversary t-shirts available for pre-order with a deadline of January 10. The shirts are courtesy of Textbook Brokers and the link to pre-order is: https://theatubookstore.com/products/tucker-coliseum-50th-anniversary-tee-heli-3699-vndeiuojkh
 
ABOUT TUCKER COLISEUM
The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees prioritized the construction of a new special events center as early as December 1971. In March 1973, Gov. Dale Bumpers signed a bill that allowed Arkansas Tech to build the center.
 
Matson Construction Company broke ground on the special events center project on April 15, 1974. The facility was designed by the architectural firm of Mott, Mobley, Horstman and Griffin.
 
In October 1975, Arkansas Tech announced that the special events center would be named John E. Tucker Coliseum in honor of "The Original Wonder Boy," who went on to render nearly a half-century of service to Arkansas Tech as a coach, administrator and chemistry professor.
 
Construction of Tucker Coliseum was completed in December 1975, and it hosted its first basketball game on January 8, 1976. 
 
Tucker Coliseum was dedicated during a ceremony on January 20, 1976. Gov. David Pryor served as speaker for the event.