FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2016
On behalf of MPEA
Cynthia McCafferty
Cynthia@hawthornestrategy.com
(312) 970-0251
On behalf of DePaul
Greg Greenwell
GGreenwe@depaul.edu
(773) 325-7546
“Topping Off” Complete; Event Center Ready for Tip Off Next Fall Event Center at McCormick Square On Track for Opening in 2017
CHICAGO, IL – October 5, 2016 – The final beam was placed at the Event Center at McCormick Square during a topping off and signing ceremony. The beam, which is painted white, was signed by representatives of DePaul University, McCormick Square, as well as six student athletes from DePaul and six representatives of the construction team. “We are thrilled to be here today,” said Lori Healey, CEO of MPEA. “The Event Center at McCormick Square is a game-changer for our campus; it is incredibly exciting to see us reach this point in the construction process.”
“The new Event Center will be a terrific home for our Blue Demons and will finally bring DePaul basketball back to Chicago,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul University. “It will also provide a wonderful space for the DePaul community to celebrate graduation, convocation and other key milestones. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has made this project a reality.”
“It is fitting for a venue that will house a team, that the key to the success of this project has been team work,” Healey continued. “From the collaborative relationship with DePaul, to the amazing work done by all of our union partners, the Event Center is on track to open on time and on budget.” (More) The Event Center at McCormick Square will be a multi-purpose general session hall for business meetings and conventions as well as a venue for concerts, sporting events, family-friendly shows and other major special events.
The diverse programming and easily-accessible location of this new entertainment and sports venue will bring more tourism for local business owners and help invigorate the neighboring communities. As the new home court for DePaul men’s and women’s basketball, the venue will feature amenities including locker rooms, sports medicine areas and training facilities. Designed by the internationally-renowned architectural firm Pelli Clarke Pelli, the new building’s unique architecture will complement McCormick Place and the surrounding area.
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About Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and McCormick Square The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority owns McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America with an award-winning sustainable food program including a 2.5 acre Rooftop Garden, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and soon to open Event Center and Marriott Marquis Chicago – McCormick Square is a global destination fit for tourists, convention goers and native Chicagoans alike.
