DePaul Press Release on New B-Ball Home

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/genrel/051613aaa.html


City of Chicago, MPEA to Partner with DePaul for Multipurpose Events Center
DePaul basketball among many University events slated for new facility


May 16, 2013

CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced plans today for a large-scale tourism and economic development project near McCormick Place, one that includes construction of a 10,000-seat, multipurpose events center to serve as the new home for the DePaul Blue Demons.

In addition to hosting home games for DePaul men’s and women’s basketball teams and serving as a practice facility, the events center will support other high-profile functions for both DePaul and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), including DePaul graduation ceremonies and special events, as well as Chicago’s convention-related business.

The events center is planned for a site north of Cermak Road between Indiana and Prairie avenues with the construction cost to be shared evenly between DePaul and the MPEA.

Construction on the facility is targeted to begin in 2014, and it is expected to open in time for the 2016-2017 college basketball season, accommodating 17 men’s games and probably 10 women’s. Since 1980, the Blue Demons men’s basketball team has primarily played home games at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill...