NEW CONSTRUCTION WILL GREET GSC FANS AT SEASON OPENER TONIGHT

(09/01/2011)

GSC's Pioneer Center construction site will greet fans attending the Pioneers football season opener tonight at 7 p.m. Morris Stadium is seen in the distance. The area pictured shows only about one-third of the total area involved. By Drew Moody For the Hur Herald The Pioneer Center construction site, adjacent to the Morris Stadium football complex, has a total footprint - including landscaping, parking and buildings - spanning over seven acres. When completed the 140,000 sq. foot project will be home to a 3,000 seat gymnasium, Land Resources Department, healthcare center, as well as classrooms and offices. Traffic flow and parking is expected to be initially minimal for fans attending tonight's football opener against Tennessee's Carson-Newman College of Tennessee. Kick-off time is 7 p.m. GSC officials are assigning additional parking attendants and shuttle services will be available if it becomes necessary to redirect parking elsewhere. Those attending may want to consider a 15-minute earlier arrival time if possible. HISTORY In late March 2008 Ike and Sue Morris, of Glenville, made a $5-million challenge pledge to Glenville State College in hopes of stimulating efforts to build a new multipurpose facility. The Morris' have become Gilmer County icons as a result of their historic support of Glenville State College, education in Gilmer County and the community. GSC President Dr. Peter B. Barr and the college board of governors responded by establishing a fund-drive involving faculty, students, and alumni. Several alumni and local businessman added to the effort making significant contributions to the project. The State of West Virginia approved and supported the effort providing almost half the needed funding for the Pioneer Center project. Today that vision is becoming a reality. TODAY AND LOOKING FORWARD Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in early July and Phase 1 of the site preparation is expected to be completed in about two weeks. Final completion is tentatively scheduled for early 2013. President Barr said Wednesday unless weather delayed the construction schedule, the goal is to play at least some of the 2012-13 basketball season in the newly built gymnasium. As this football season progresses college officials are prepared to take steps minimizing inconvenience for Glenville State College Pioneer football fans whenever possible. Updates, or changes to parking or shuttle arrangements due to construction needs, can be found on the college's website at www.glenville.edu

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001