The HTC Center, the new $35 million student recreation and convocation facility at Coastal Carolina University, will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, Aug. 20, with a formal dedication at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event.

CCU students, who also begin fall semester classes on Aug. 20, are invited to a special opening event from noon to 3 p.m., with free food, inflatables and games outside the building. Students will be able to try out the new recreational features of the center, such as the track and 38-foot rock climbing wall.

Attendees will include current and past SGA leaders, University officials and the Spirit of the Chanticleer Marching Band.

Built to accommodate the quickly changing recreational needs of CCU students, the 131,000-square-foot 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, now called the Chanticleer Store. The convocation area has seating for 3,370.

The HTC Center will also serve as a community resource featuring concerts, special events and other public gatherings.

Free food, tours of the building and some giveaways are planned for the event. For more information, call CCU's Office of Special Events at 843-349-2811.