Frank Erwin Center

Frank C. Erwin, Jr. Special Events Center, commonly known as Frank Erwin Center or UT Erwin Center, is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. It is also sometimes referred to as "The Drum" or "The Superdrum", owing to its drum-like appearance from outside (not to be confused with Big Bertha, the large bass drum used by the University of Texas marching band). The facility is primarily the home court for the UT men's and women's basketball programs.

History

The center, intended to replace Gregory Gymnasium, cost $34 million to build in 1977. The first event to play at the Center was a UT basketball game which occurred on November 29, 1977 UT began renovations of the center in 2001 and finished in 2003. Renovations included: Life safety upgrades, new concession stands and restrooms, addition of 28 suites, new scoreboard and indoor electronic video signs, addition of outdoor electronic video signs, and Lone Star Room (reception hall) renovations. The building is named for former UT Board of Regents member Frank Erwin, who attended the The University of Texas and was a member of the same fraternity, Kappa Sigma, as several other prominent alumni who have had buildings at the University named after them (such as Beauford Jester, Denton Cooley, William Hogg and Harry Huntt Ransom). Originally known as the Special Events Center, the facility was renamed...
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