Nearly three dozen GCU athletes and coaches participated Wednesday afternoon in the burial of a signed Bible at what will be center court of the new GCU Arena, on track to open in September.
“This is something that Christians need to be doing more of, not less of,” said the University’s chief executive officer, Brian Mueller, in brief remarks to about 200 people assembled inside the Arena for the short ceremony. At least a few online students, on campus for the week’s convocation and Commencement festivities, were in attendance.
“God has blessed us with this building,” Mueller said. “It’s His building. Through the ages, He has wanted His people to remember that He was their God and they were His people. So we’re here to say thank you.”
Head coaches on hand for the occasion included Trent May (Women’s Basketball), Russ Pennell (Men’s Basketball), Kris Naber (Women’s Volleyball), Petar Draksin (Men’s Soccer) and Andy Stankiewicz (Baseball).
Led in prayer by campus pastor Tim Griffin, the coaches and athletes formed a circle and held hands around the place in the ground where the Bible was buried.
At a topping-off ceremony in mid-February, a steel beam signed by faculty, staff and students was hoisted into place on the facility’s south end. The beam’s signatures are visible when looking up from inside the south end.
In addition to hosting GCU men’s and women’s basketball games, the Arena will present Christian and secular concerts, ice shows, special speakers and other productions.
