Missouri State University and Greenwood Laboratory School dedicated the Betty & Bobby Allison Event Center on Friday (Nov. 13).

A lead gift from Bobby Allison, gifts from more than 100 Greenwood alumni and friends and state appropriations paid for the $6.4 million project. Its 23,000-square-foot design includes a multipurpose gymnasium and performance stage. The private gifts are part of the MSU Foundation’s Onward, Upward campaign.

“This is such a big day in Greenwood’s history,” said Dr. Janice Duncan, director of Greenwood. “We’re so grateful to have this space that will help our students get the very most from their education and experience here.”

Project amenities

At 10,500 square feet, the new gymnasium is about 38% larger than its predecessor. Seating includes:

• 290 retractable seats.
• 322 bleacher seats.
• 250 folding chair seats.

The gymnasium features a divider curtain with cross-court basketball goals. It will serve as a multipurpose space that includes a large stage and motorized projection screen for viewing multimedia presentations.

New facilities also include a weight room, concessions stand, restrooms and corridor that connects to the science laboratory. The gymnasium is adjacent to a locker room addition that was added in 2018.