Knapp Center
Multi-purpose arena in Des Moines, Iowa / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Knapp Center is a 6,424-seat multi-purpose arena on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1992.
"The Knapp" | |
Location | 2601 Forest Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50311 U.S. |
---|---|
Coordinates | 41°36′16″N 93°39′7″W |
Owner | Drake University |
Operator | Drake University |
Capacity | 6,424 (2022–present) 7,152 (1992–2022)[1] |
Surface | Hardwood |
Construction | |
Broke ground | 1990 |
Opened | December 1, 1992 |
Construction cost | $12.5 million ($27.1 million in 2023 dollars[2]) |
Architect | RDG Planning & Design |
General contractor | Taylor Ball Construction Company |
Tenants | |
Drake Bulldogs (NCAA DI) (1992–present) |
The Knapp Center is the center building for three athletic buildings combined. The Bell Center to the west is a general athletic building with offices, a pool, gym, and locker rooms. To the east is the Shivers' Basketball Practice facility, which opened in 2014. The Knapp Center itself also holds a weight room by the northwest corner of the basketball court.
The namesake of the arena comes from William Knapp, who is the chairman of Iowa Realty and a member of the Drake University Board of Trustees. He played a key role in financing the arena with a $3 million gift towards construction.[3]
After receiving a donation from Hy-Vee, the court was named in honor Drake alum and former Hy-Vee CEO Ron Pearson as "Ron Pearson Court" on September 18, 2010.[3]
Renovations in the summer of 2022 reconfigured the lower bowl of seating, reducing capacity but filling in corners and adding premium seating options.[4]