Sept. 1, 2009

TICKET INFORMATION TO GILL COLISEUM EVENTS

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Oregon State athletic department is pleased to announce it will be celebrating the 60th year of legendary Gill Coliseum throughout the 2009-10 athletic year as festivities kick-off when volleyball hosts Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 12:30 p.m.

Beginning with the volleyball match against the Redhawks, plans for the year-long celebration include video board features, player reunions and interactive fan polls on osubeavers.com.

Throughout the year, the five Oregon State squads that call legendary Gill Coliseum home will celebrate some of the most historic events in Gill Coliseum history. Oregon State will take a look back at the events and student-athletes that have defined one of the nation's top collegiate arenas, including: Gary Payton's record-setting 58-point performance against USC, women's basketball Carol Meinken's historic 1979-80 season, former volleyball great Shelly Smith, gymnastics run to the 2008 NCAA West Regional Championship and wrestling great Howard Harris' 1980 national championship performance, among many more.

The 60th anniversary celebration will also highlight the current renovation efforts that will ensure Gill Coliseum will continue to provide great Oregon State memories for generations to come. Among the many renovation efforts, a new paint scheme and other cosmetic improvements are slated to be completed later this year or early in 2010. In all, legendary Gill Coliseum will see nearly $7 million in improvements this year, which includes a state-of-the-art medical facility and new locker rooms.

Gill Coliseum opened its doors on Dec. 16, 1949, as the Oregon State men's basketball team defeated Utah, 53-41, in front of a crowd of 5.694. Since then, Gill Coliseum has hosted a number of NCAA Championship events in men's basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling and has been the home to some of the greatest athletes in Oregon State history.