Stott Center gets new look

The Peter W. Stott Center (PSC) has been the home of Portland State University athletics since it opened in 1966. This summer the venue is undergoing a series of renovations intended to improve the quality of its main gym.

The renovation that began on June 17 and is scheduled for completion on Sept. 13 includes the replacement of the gym floor and bleachers. The new bleachers will be equipped with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) approved components for wheelchair accessibility. A section of the bleachers will also be fitted up with seat backs. Both of these additions are intended to increase the comfort of the thousands of spectators who visit the Stott Center each year.

The old floor, still in relatively good condition, will be reused at a yet to be determined high school gym.

PSC Building Manager Keith Mettie feels that summer is the most convenient time to make these changes because there are no team sports to interrupt. While it is hoped that the renovation will be completed by Sept. 13, precautions have been planned in regard to fall sports. The only impact may be on the women’s volleyball team, Mettie said. But their first several games are exhibition and can be moved to another gym if necessary.

In the meantime, students and faculty members can still take advantage of the many other facilities the Stott Center has to offer. Intramural sports are not typically organized in the summer, but the tennis, racquetball and squash courts are not affected by the renovation. The small gym is open from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday.

Visitors who present their valid PSU ID card will be given a wristband to wear in the gym as proof of admittance. Students have free access to all recreational areas except for the locker rooms and pool area. A locker room fee of $21 applies to students attending summer courses, and all other students will be charged $28. Faculty and staff members must pay $61 per term to use any recreational area.

The Peter W. Stott Center is located at Southwest 10th and Hall on the PSU campus. For more information on the gym facilities or hours call 503-725-4977 or visit the Web site at www.pp.pdx.edu/AUX/PSC/index.html.