California Baptist University’s 6,000-Seat Venue Is Largest Indoor Gathering Space on Campus

Santa Ana, CA, May 12, 2017 – SVA Architects, Inc., in collaboration with HOK, recently joined California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside, CA to celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new CBU Events Center. The May 4, 2017 event, which also featured the public debut of an iconic Lancer statue guarding the building, was attended by CBU President, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis; CBU dignitaries; student athletes; and the construction and development team. The $73 million project will provide a space where students, faculty, and the surrounding community can come together to celebrate the dynamic university population.

Dr. Ellis said, “This represents another wow day for California Baptist University and Lancer Athletics. We are thrilled that the new CBU Events Center will be the home of Lancer basketball games, student chapel services, and many other great events in the years to come. This building is now of the magnificent landmarks in the entire Inland Empire.”

The 5,050-seat, 153,000-square-foot CBU Events Center—which can expand up to 6,000 seats—occupies a site on the southern edge of the recently expanded campus. Visible from the 91 Riverside Freeway, the two-level facility will accommodate a variety of events, including intercollegiate athletic events, regular chapel sessions, musical and theatrical performances, banquets, and commencement activities.

Robert Simons, AIA, President of SVA Architects, states, “It was an honor to work with CBU onsuch a spectacular facility. The multi-arena includes a 100-foot tall tower and complements the Mission Revival architecture style that is a hallmark of the CBU campus. As the campus’ largest indoor gathering space, this is where Lancers will create memories and experiences that will resonate throughout their lives.”