Frank Erwin Center
| The Drum, The Superdrum | |
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| Full name | Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center |
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| Former names | Special Events Center (1977–1980) |
| Location | 1701 Red River Street Austin, TX 78701-1438 |
| Coordinates | 30°16′37″N 97°43′56″W / 30.276958°N 97.732216°WCoordinates: 30°16′37″N 97°43′56″W / 30.276958°N 97.732216°W |
| Owner | University of Texas at Austin |
| Operator | University of Texas at Austin |
| Capacity | 17,900 (center stage) (concert) 16,540 (basketball, 2013-present) 16,734 (basketball, 2009-2013) 16,755 (basketball, 2004-2009) 16,837 (basketball, 2003-2004) 16,079 (basketball, 2002-2003) 16,175 (basketball, 1995-2002) 16,231 (basketball, 1977-1995) 7,820 (theatre) |
| Record attendance | John Denver 17,829 |
| Surface | Terrazzo Floor/Portable basketball floor/Portable turf |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | August 1974 |
| Opened | November 29, 1977 |
| Renovated | 2001 |
| Expanded | 2003 |
| Construction cost | $34 million (original) ($134 million in 2017 dollars) $55 million (renovations/expansion) |
| Architect | Wilson, Crain & Anderson Heery International (renovations/expansion) |
| Structural engineer | Walter P Moore |
| General contractor | H.A. Lott Inc. |
| Tenants | |
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Texas Longhorns (NCAA) (1977–present) Austin Wranglers (AFL/af2) (2004–2008) |
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The Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Center (commonly known as Frank Erwin Center or UT Erwin Center and originally Special Events Center) is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas. It is also sometimes referred to as "The Drum" or "The Superdrum", owing to its round, drum-like appearance from outside (not to be confused with Big Bertha, the large bass drum used by the University of Texas marching band).
The multi-purpose facility hosts entertainment events and is the home court for the UT men's and women's basketball programs. The Erwin Center is located at the southeastern corner of the UT central campus and is bounded on the east by Interstate 35.
Built to replace Gregory Gymnasium as the men's and women's basketball teams' home arena, the Special Events Center was completed in 1977 for a total cost of $34 million. The Texas men's basketball team opened the events center on November 29, 1977 with an 83–76 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. UT undertook extensive renovations of the facility from 2001 to 2003 at a cost of $55 million, adding, among other things, new and renovated seating, new video and sound systems, new lighting, and 28 suites.
The building is named for former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin. Originally known as the Special Events Center, the facility was renamed in 1980 to honor Erwin, who had died that same year.
A two-level layout (the lower arena and upper mezzanine) accommodates up to 16,540 spectators for basketball games and up to 17,900 spectators for concerts. The inner ring of the arena averages around 20 rows deep, while the mezzanine is slightly deeper at around 24 rows. The size of the arena's inner ring is highly dependent on the event being hosted.
The Dell Medical Center, a $334 million proposed teaching hospital for the University, has identified the parking lot and Waller Creek area directly across from the Frank Erwin Center as Phase I of construction, with later phases calling for the demolition and relocation of the Frank Erwin Center.
Located adjacent to downtown Austin, Texas, The Erwin Center is generally accepted to be Austin's current premier venue for large public and private events. The center holds many diverse events ranging from concerts to wrestling events and private banquets.
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