Sanford Health Athletic Complex/Bison Sports Arena

Originally built as the "Field House and Physical Education Classroom Building" in October 1970 the Bison Sports Arena (BSA) has been home to a variety of events. Its initial building cost was $3.1 million, which included $1.75 million in state-appropriated funds. When it was first built it housed many intramural activities and physical education events but gradually grew to house some varsity athletic events such as men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling. Over the years it has also hosted some state high school events and the university’s winter commencement. In 2001 and 2005 President George W. Bush came to Fargo and spoke at the BSA. The seating for the BSA was roughly around 5,830 people, including chair back seats for 1,851 on the upper level. The main floor of the BSA was home to various team locker rooms, meeting rooms, and training facilities. It was also the location for athletic administrations offices as well as media and ticket offices. The second level was home to Bison Athletic Hall of Fame display, athletic teams’ weight room, and the McCormick Wrestling Complex.

In 2013 it was decided that the BSA would receive an update that was long overdue. Construction for the new facility finished in 2016 and it was named the Sanford Health Athletic Complex (SHAC) and houses the Scheels Center which is home to NDSU men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling. It also includes Nodak Mutual Basketball Performance Center as added practice courts. The new complex seat 5,700 people and includes numerous other facilities. The SHAC is the new location for athletic team locker rooms, strength and conditioning facilities, sports medicine and rehabilitation areas, an academic center for student-athletes, and athletic administrative offices.

Sources:

1. North Dakota State Athletics, Bison Sports Arena, http://www.gobison.com/sports/2013/4/19/bsa.aspx?tab=bisonsportsarena
2. North Dakota State Athletics, Sanford Health Athletic Complex, http://www.gobison.com/sports/2013/6/6/edge.aspx?path=facilities
3. North Dakota State Athletics, Scheels Center, http://www.gobison.com/facilities/?id=37