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Jan. 11, 2009

Thanks to the generosity of local construction company, Peters Construction Corporation, the University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center has added another feature in becoming one of the premier athletic facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference.

"We enjoy one of the best venues in the Missouri Valley Conference, and thanks to the Peters' gift, that venue becomes even better," said Troy Dannen, UNI Director of Athletics. "The addition of suites to the McLeod Center provides great opportunity for the University and symbolizes the commitment of Panther supporters toward our programs. We are grateful to Dave and Cindy and the entire Peters organization for their passion for UNI."

Locally owned and operated by Dave Peters, Peters Construction worked throughout the fall to create eight suites on the west concourse of the McLeod Center. Each suite contains 12-16 theater-style seats as well as a hospitality area.

UNI first approached Dave Peters in early July asking for his help in finishing the final project in the McLeod Center. Construction began in early September and the company was able to finish the suites for the Panthers first home basketball game on Nov. 4.

"Peters Construction had an extraordinarily short timeframe to complete the suites," Dannen said. "Not only did they have to work on a short schedule, but also had to work through a volleyball season and couldn't disrupt the building."

Suites were originally in the plans for the McLeod Center, but private funding was necessary for the suites to take place. Thanks to UNI alums Dave and Cindy Peters, the plans became a reality this fall.

"My wife, Cindy, and I have been huge fans of Panther athletics and we realized this was a way to give back and see UNI athletics continue to grow," said Dave Peters.

"I wanted to give back to UNI, but I really took on this project for two reasons," Peters said. "First, I have a passion for the university, but more importantly, I like this donation more than others because this is a gift that will keep giving. By building these suites, they will continue to generate revenue for the athletic department in the future and help the athletic department grow. We all know everybody is going through hard times and this is one way to help the university not only now, but in the future also."

Not only do the suites add a more luxurious option for Panther fans, they also help create a finished look on the west side of the concourse. Along with the view, the actual suites themselves are quite lavish. The design of the suites includes granite countertops, maple woodwork, purple carpet, refrigerators and television sets.

"These suites just really take the McLeod Center to another level," Peters said. "It finishes the space off on the west concourse and blends it with the rest of the arena. They tie in very well with the overall look of the McLeod Center."

"Every top-flight facility being built in the country today offers hospitality seating," Dannen said. "It is an amenity that top donors expect and it generates funding to help keep programs competitive. Without question, suites were the missing element in finalizing the McLeod Center's status as one of the top venues in the Midwest. At the same time, the suites have created financial opportunities for Panther athletics which will be vital in maintaining our levels of competitiveness into the future."

With UNI athletic programs continuing to succeed year after year, the athletic department and the University can not only pride themselves on some of the nation's best athletic programs, but also the quality facilities that those programs call home.