Kicked off by a $7.7 million donation from Kerm and Mary Lu Stroh a little over three years ago, the construction of the Stroh Center is just weeks from completion.

Project Manager Mike Schuesster said workers are putting the finishing touches on the 133,000-square foot convocation center and should be done in two to three weeks.

The grand opening is open to all and set for Friday, Sept. 9, at 2 p.m. Special VIPs have been invited to headline the event, but Gillespie said it is too early for the University to disclose any names.

Following the grand opening will be the women’s volleyball team’s season opener against Michigan State at 6 p.m.

“We really want as many people to come in and see what they help made possible,” said Associate Athletic Director Mary Ellen Gillespie.

The Stroh Center’s first event is a concert featuring the bands Sanctus Real and Tenth Avenue North. The bands will perform at the Stroh Friday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m.

Altogether the University received $14 million in private gifts for the Stroh, making several accessories possible.

The Stroh has many new accessories that could help with recruitment, Gilespie said. The venue offers state of the art locker rooms, a film room, a training and rehabilitation room, a coaches locker room, officials locker room and restroom, a press conference room and a practice gym.

Despite new accessories, the floor plan of the Stroh and Anderson Arena are nearly identical. The highest row of seats in the Stroh is only 6-8 inches farther from the court than Anderson.

“The thing about Anderson is the fans are right on the court. It’s a really intimate setting,” said Dave Kielmeyer, interim chief communications officer. “The goal was to keep that kind of experience.”

A new video board will offer fan-interaction opportunities similar to those at a Cincinnati Bengals’ game, Gilespie said. The arena will also house a team store open 362 days a year.

Kielmeyer said the location of the arena makes it more accessible than Anderson since the parking lot is right off of Wooster Street. The location, along with the building’s Internet capabilities, should help bring in better shows and acts, according to Kielmeyer.

Gillespie said the Stroh serves as a new front porch to the University, as it will be the first building fans and students see when exiting Interstate 75.

“It’s pretty majestic,” Gillespie said.