June 7, 2012
New Bleachers Added to Taylor's Odle Arena
UPLAND, Ind.-A facelift to Taylor's Odle Arena is complete following the installation of new bleachers to the 37-year-old facility. Among the upgrades are new purple bleachers and chair backs, which replace the original bleachers that were installed when the facility was built in 1975.
"I am just really excited about the facelift to Odle Arena," Dr. Angie Fincannon, Director of Athletics said. "The purple color really gives the gym a lively feel and it has been wonderful that the university was able to do this."
The bleachers were custom designed to maximize the space of the gym and the purple used for the seats was a custom-created color specifically designed for Taylor.
Installed by the Irwin Seating Company the middle, section of the new seats on the community side of the gymnasium, have been fitted with backrests. A total of 266 seats feature the backrests that will allow fans to enjoy games in comfort.
"I think our fans are going to be thrilled with these seats," Fincannon said. "You want to be able to cheer on your team but you also want to be comfortable when you watch a game and I think these seats will allow people to do just that."
The new bleachers also feature special handicap accessible areas that will allow fans in wheelchairs to watch sporting events in a protected area within the bleachers and fans will notice new railings along the stairs to provide safety as fans arrive and depart from the gym.
Along with the new bleachers the gymnasium has been repainted and rewired to better accommodate media and broadcast needs.
"I'm really excited to see our fans enjoy the new features," Fincannon added. "It looks ready for the start of volleyball and men's and women's basketball seasons in the fall. It represents the type of quality that Taylor Athletics stands for."