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Schools

Susquehanna Center Renovations To Boost Harford's Profile

Construction for the redesigned building is well underway.

If you have been on the  campus recently, you have probably seen the renovations underway on the Susquehanna Center. The facility will double in size and create more space and availability for gyms, fitness classes, swimming and community events.

The renovation includes the addition of a state-of-the-art arena. “The biggest benefit to the community is that the arena will be the largest indoor space in northeast Maryland,” said Ken Krsolovic, athletic director for Harford Community College.

“The really big difference to the community is the arena. …We foresee the arena as being a true hub for community gatherings,” Dennis Golladay, president of Harford Community College, told Patch.

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The arena will seat about 2,600 people, with the possible addition of up to 900 seats on the floor. The new arena will be used for trade shows, concerts, exhibits, meetings, graduations, sports and other events. “This is where it will be a tremendous asset to the community,” Dr. Golladay said.

The arena will also be the location of Harford’s Fighting Owls basketball and volleyball contests. Krsolovic said he hopes having sporting events in the new facility will elevate excitement around the games and get community members to take a greater interest in the teams.

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The addition of the arena is only one aspect of the renovation. There will be a new fitness center about 50 percent larger than the previous space, a new swimming pool, an auxiliary gym and three additional spaces for fitness classes and clubs. 

“The biggest thing is the flexibility of the space,” Krsolovic says. “Our options will be much greater. We will be able to offer more things simultaneously.” Krsolovic is confident the renovation will bring with it more offerings for events and non-credit classes for community members.

Susquehanna Center was originally built in 1968 and is the oldest building on campus to never have been renovated. The main part of the renovated facility will open in August 2012, with the arena scheduled to open a few months later.

Krsolovic is excited about the opportunities the new facilities will create for students and community members. “We will touch a lot of people through this facility. A facility of this magnitude will really be a front porch for this institution.”

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