Arena dedication part of Evangel University homecoming activities this week

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the AGFinancial Arena is expected to be a highlight of homecoming festivities this week at Evangel University.

The 70,000-square-foot athletic venue located on the western edge of the Springfield campus is the first construction project of this magnitude since 2009.

Evangel plans to cut the ribbon alongside local and state leaders at 9:45 a.m. Friday at the new home for the football, soccer, basketball and volleyball programs.

The $22.6 million project was funded through private donations, including a $10 million "matching challenge" offered by the Green family, which owns Hobby Lobby and Mardel. AGFinancial provided a "significant sponsorship," which was described as a capstone gift.

Homecoming officially kicked off Tuesday with Valor Volleyball, undefeated in conference play this season, taking on its long-time rival College of the Ozarks. The game was set to start at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

A homecoming concert featuring groups and ensembles from Evangel's Music Department will be 3 p.m. Friday in the Barnett Recital Hall. Admission is free.

A celebration dinner featuring Evangel President Mike Rakes will be Wednesday evening at the White River Conference Center, part of Bass Pro Shops.

The 2024 alumni awardees will be recognized throughout the weekend.

The Evangel Valor football team, 4-0 this season and undefeated in regular season play since joining the KCAC league last fall, will face Avila University at Nixa High School’s Eagle Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

Tickets may be purchased in advance on the EU Athletics website or at the gate via credit or debit card for $10 for adults. Admission is free for children age 12 and under.

On Saturday, the men’s and women’s soccer teams will look to secure their eighth and third wins of the season respectively as they take on Tabor College at Evangel’s Coryell Field.

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The women’s game starts at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

For the full schedule of activities, go to www.evangel.edu/homecoming .

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Arena dedication part of Evangel University homecoming activities this week