Fresno State Athletics
It's a Sale
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Dec. 30, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - The sale of personal seat licenses is now in full swing. There have been over 8,003 deposits placed by Selland Arena ticket holders for PSLs, up from 7,500 since November, and currently those deposits are becoming finalized. Over the past month the Save Mart center has scheduled the deposit holders for meetings to complete the sales. The customers are able to select which seat they would like and are also provided with a complete guide to the design and construction of the center. The process of finalizing the sales began Nov. 28, 2000 and will break for the holidays. The meetings will reconvene on Jan. 3, 2000 until the end of March. After the season ticket holders have selected and purchased their seats, all other customers interested in becoming a PSL owner will be able to schedule a meeting to select a seat and complete the sale. Presently, the Save Mart Center is approximately 70-75% of its full capacity. The percentage is based on the number of deposits received to date. Once construction actually starts, it is predicted that the new arena will be at its capacity for PSLs.
The construction of the center is scheduled to begin in early spring of 2001. The process of negotiating for a contractor is underway and the selection committee has narrowed down the field to three candidates. Once a contractor and builder are chosen, the construction of the center will commence.
The Save Mart Center will sit adjacent to a recreational facility, made possible through the approval of the Legacy 2000 referendum by the Fresno State student body.
The students of Fresno State have pushed money matters aside in order to provide an on-campus recreational center for future students. In early November students voted on the fate of the facility. Of the 1,934 votes cast, 1,389 voted yes, an overwhelming approval of the recreation center. Those that voted "No" felt that an increase in tuition rates over the next few years was not worth building the center.
Presently students pay $878 in student fees, that rate will rise to $927 and a dollar every year thereafter. The Legacy 2000 Referendum has paved the way for students to enjoy a state-of-the-art recreational facility and other outlying buildings which include weight and aerobics training and equipment, a climbing wall, an indoor track, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, labs, a coffee and juice bar and short-term childcare. The student recreation center will house the Peters Educational Center (a 300-seat classroom-of-the-future), an E-business center, a Center for Innovation and Entreprenuership, practice gymnasiums, team and athletic administration offices, the Bulldog Foundation Office and the Bulldog Ticket Office. The complete package will sit on 150,000 square feet of land and adjacent to the Save Mart Center. By approving the referendum the students have provided a haven for student involvement with the university, in addition to its recruitment value for the influx of new students.
"The students of Fresno State have shown they care about the institution where they are preparing for their careers and their futures and that they want the best," said University President John D. Welty. "They will someday be the alumni of this university and are helping build a legacy for future generations."
An online request form is currently available at www.savemartcenter.com for those interested in receiving information about the PSL campaign. Additional information and applications are also available by phoning the Save Mart Center PSL office at (559) 244-2990. Also, by visiting www.fresnostatenews.com, a virtual tour of the Save Mart Center is available via real player, as well as information regarding the Legacy 2000 referendum.