Editor’s Note: The St. Louis Business Journal is reporting that the Ellerbe Becket-designed JQH Arena at Missouri State University in Springfield is $1 million under budget. A copy of the article follows:

Officials at Missouri State University in Springfield said Wednesday the new $67 million JQH Arena is on time and more than $1 million under budget.

As a result, university President Michael Nietzel has authorized the purchase of additional furniture and equipment, landscaping and the design for the shelled space that will eventually serve as home team locker rooms and offices for the two basketball teams and athletics administrators when private funding becomes available.

On Oct. 24, J.E. Dunn will turn the arena over to the university.

The JQH Arena is named for John Q. Hammons in recognition of his $30 million gift. The facility will have more than 11,000 seats, a grand entrance, 24 private suites, more than 100 seats, 55 courtside seats, a Hall of Fame, a team souvenir store and a ticket office.

Missouri State University has 19,348 students.

An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.

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