CCU announces HTC partnership, names HTC Center
As part of the partnership, HTC has provided and will continue to provide some complimentary services such as wiring and technical assistance, as well as financial support to assist CCU with its ever expanding campus needs. The new facility is scheduled to officially open concurrent with CCU's fall semester on Aug. 20.
"There are two driving factors for growing our partnership arrangement with CCU," said HTC Chief Executive Officer Mike Hagg. "First is the ongoing business relationship that HTC has enjoyed with the University for almost 60 years. Second is the overall impact CCU has on a local and regional basis. CCU is one of our largest business customers as an institution, not to mention that many faculty, staff and students also have the opportunity for HTC services. From an economic perspective, CCU is a great resource for the community with the jobs it creates, the research it provides, and the social opportunities it offers through sports, cultural events and other on-campus activities hosted by the University. The HTC Center will add another venue as these events continue to grow."
In addition to exterior and interior signage, HTC will also receive sponsorship exposure on the Chanticleer playing courts where HTC logos will appear, along with video board impressions stationed throughout the building.
Built to accommodate the quickly changing recreational needs of CCU students, the new HTC Center will provide a wide range of recreational amenities, a new home for the Chanticleer men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs and the new University bookstore. The HTC Center will also serve as a community resource featuring concerts, special events and other public gatherings.
"We can't say enough about our partnership with HTC," said CCU President David DeCenzo. "Today's announcement reflects more than just a sponsorship, but also symbolizes the deep business and community relationship between our University and HTC. We thank the HTC executive staff, board of directors and all of the Cooperative members for this gift, and we trust they will view this partnership with great pride. Our University community is focused on delivering superior customer service to our students and stakeholders; HTC has and will continue to play a key role in that effort."
Designed by the Garvin Design Group of Columbia, The HTC Center houses more than 131,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment and resources with a contemporary look and atmosphere. The convocation portion of the building will be the home of CCU basketball and volleyball teams and will seat 3,370 spectators. The recreation portion of the center will include an indoor track, multiple aerobics and fitness studios, strength and conditioning equipment, a climbing wall and a concession area.
The plan for a student recreation center was launched in 2008 from a resolution by the University's Student Government Association recommending the need for a new facility. Acting on this student-led recommendation, the University's board of trustees passed a student-approved fee increase to support construction funding.
"On behalf of the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation, we extend our gratitude to HTC for making such a strong commitment to CCU and our community," said Mark Roach, executive director of the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation. "HTC and its members have been integral in the development of CCU, and this gift allows us to provide an exceptional facility for our students for many, many years to come."
"This is a great day for Coastal Carolina's Department of Athletics and for the whole Coastal community," said Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek. "Having HTC and Coastal Carolina, two of the area's largest entities, be linked in this highly anticipated facility will be a point of pride for all. Not only will our men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs benefit from this new facility, but The HTC Center will make a significant impact on the entire athletics department and benefit all the students at Coastal. This facility has allowed us to upgrade our competitive schedules and made it possible for CCU to host the VisitMyrtleBeach.com Big South Basketball Championships for the next three years."