ADA – June 24 Ribbon cutting ceremonies drew hundreds who were anxious to see a completely revamped gymnasium at tribal headquarters.

Chickasaw Nation Head Start students, basketball teams, athletes and citizens were among those who turned out en masse to tour the remodeled gym complex. The renovation gives new life to the facility which has long served the tribe in a multitude of capacities throughout the years.

“We are celebrating the renewal of (a facility) that has been here quite a while,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby told the overflow gathering. “The structure started out early as a gymnasium but was also a community center. It was also the second location of our Head Start program. We have a variety of things this building has been utilized for,” Gov. Anoatubby said, adding with a smile the tribe hosted an employee Thanksgiving dinner at the site in the tribe’s early years. “That’s when we had a lot fewer employees. I think everybody could fit into the building.”

Today, the tribe’s employees total nearly 13,000.

“It’s a new beginning for this facility, which will be totally dedicated to recreation and athletics,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

According to Chickasaw Nation Tribal Development officials, the building’s interior and exterior has new rock which matches the other buildings at the Nation’s primary complex, located at Mississippi and Arlington. A new roof was added, as well as new landscape design. The restroom/ lockers on the lower level were reconfigured. Additionally, showers were installed in the locker rooms as well.

An elevated seating concourse was designed on three sides of the basketball court.

Balcony seating was designed overlooking the court.

Approximately 229 bench seats with backs, 38 stadium chairs and other seating are now available.

The new seating layout is designed to keep spectators away and off the court to provide safety for athletes and visitors.

The concession area is completely new with stainless steel counters and shelves, with a refrigerator and ice machine. Upstairs, there are enlarged men’s and women’s restrooms and two built-in trophy cases.

The ceiling over the court area is a floating ceiling system that is aesthetically pleasing and is impact resistant. A new four-sided score board was installed over the center of the court. The court floor is a state-of-the-art wood floor system with hand-painted court graphics.

Wall pads are installed on all walls around the court to provide safety for the players and new hanging goals were installed for safety.