Stephen C. O'Connell Center
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Stephen C. O'Connell Center |
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Graduation, Gator Sports and Concert Events
The O'Connell Center, which covers 3.6 acres, or approximately 296,000 square feet, is actually a building within a building. The ceiling of the concourse, or outer perimeter is stretched tight to energy-saving earthen berms. This area is attractively landscaped with plants that are able to grow well indoors. Construction of the center began in the Fall of 1977 and the building was completed over three years later in December 1980.
The O'Connell Center was built mainly for instruction and recreation. There
are scheduled activities from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. Up to 1500 students
a day take physical education classes while many more take advantage of the
facilities for recreational swimming, martial arts, weight-lifting, and other
activities. Many of the University Athletic teams, such as the basketball and
gymnastics teams use the building for their training and practices. More than
a thousand persons can participate simultaneously in at least nine different
activities. The various events hosted in this building include rock concerts,
philharmonic orchestras, international swimming meets, basketball games, circuses
and fairs.
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