Texas Tech University celebrates the new century with the addition of an impressive multi-purpose arena to the campus. Opened in the fall, the United Spirit Arena has become a landmark of the new Campus Master Plan. That plan honors the original design concept of campus buildings in the Spanish Renaissance style as a tribute to the Spanish influence in southwestern history. Although the interior of the United Spirit Arena features the finest state-of-the-art technology, the exterior, with its red tile roof, cut stone, bell tower and graceful arches, is a reflection of the grandeur of the original Texas Tech architecture. Seating 15,020, the United Spirit Arena is home to the Red Raiders Basketball team, the Lady Raiders Basketball team and the Lady Raiders Volleyball team. The arena also serves as the site for Texas Tech Commencement Exercises and is the largest venue on the South Plains for concerts and other cultural events. The arena is named in honor of United Supermarkets of Lubbock. This corporation made the first and largest gift to fund the $60 million structure, built entirely with private and non-appropriated funds. In addition to housing offices for the sports teams who play there, the arena also features an Athletic Academic Hall of Fame, a Double T Store for campus and sports memorabilia, a 2,000 square foot meeting room, catering kitchen, weight and training facilities, team physician’s office, practice court, and press area wired for live television broadcasts. Twenty-four suites for Texas Tech supporters ring the main court area. The 1999 Commemorative Texas Tech Christmas Ornament, featuring the east entrance of the United Spirit Arena, supports the projects of Campus Care Givers. Proceeds from the sale of each ornament will benefit the Care Givers Fund, providing financing for a variety of campus landscape and public art projects. As we celebrate the holiday season, Texas Tech thanks all those who help to enhance our campuses. We invite our friends and supporter to visit our beautiful campus and tour the new United Spirit Arena.
