BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — There’s an exciting change coming to Bismarck State College’s campus.

The Mystics are saying “Out with the old, and in with the new” as they break ground on their new sports center.

“We are not just building a facility, we are laying the foundation for a successful and well-rounded future for Bismarck State College Students,” asserted BSC President Doug Jensen.

The concept for the $40 million facility gained traction after BSC’s student government gained approval from over 80% of the student body for a new building.

“It was our students who recognized a need for a new facility that would be accessible and equitable for everyone,” explained President Jensen. “Their dedication to this project led to the passing of a resolution in support of a new facility.”

Named the Bavendick Center, the new facility pays tribute to BSC alumni and longtime supporter Frank Bavendick and his family.

“Throughout my two years here as an athlete, it was very rare not to see the Bavendicks sitting up in the top row of the bleachers of the armory, clapping and cheering their way through the entire game,” shared Piper Harris, a basketball and volleyball player at BSC.

Students say they’re excited to reap the benefits of this new facility, whether they be big or small.

“Having air conditioning will be a major bonus,” laughed Harris.

And for the first time since 1998, it’ll host the men’s wrestling team, among many other sporting events and activities.

But BSC’s athletics director Myron Schulz says it’ll be so much more than just an athletics center: “We envision a place where student success stories are written, champions are made, friendships are forged, and memories are created.”

BSC spokespeople say the new sports center will be 80,000 square feet and will host 2,000 people, and it will be ready in the winter of 2025 or spring of 2026.

BSC will also be renovating the armory to be used as a training center for athletes.

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