Ellis Johnson Arena
Ellis T. Johnson Arena is a 6,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Morehead, Kentucky, United States. Located in the Academic-Athletic Center on the campus of Morehead State University, it is the home to the Morehead State Eagles men's and women's basketball teams and Elliott County High School boys Basketball team. Construction began in 1978, and the building opened in 1981.[1] The Eagles won their inaugural game in the building on Dec. 3, 1981, over the University of Charleston. Johnson Arena can be easily transformed into an auditorium for concerts and commencements. At the east end of the playing floor, a hydraulic stage can be raised for events.
Ellis T. Johnson Arena | |
Location | 111 Playforth Pl Morehead, Kentucky 40351 |
---|---|
Coordinates | 38.188786°N 83.429006°W |
Owner | Morehead State University |
Operator | Morehead State University |
Capacity | 6,500 |
Construction | |
Broke ground | 1978 |
Built | 1978-81 |
Opened | December 3, 1981 |
Tenants | |
Morehead State Eagles men's and women's basketball teams. |
Johnson Arena largely replaced Wetherby Gymnasium which continues to house the Eagles volleyball team. It hosted the Ohio Valley Conference men's basketball tournament in 1984,[2] and has also hosted such entertainment acts as Alabama, David Letterman, M.C. Hammer, the Goo Goo Dolls, Alan Jackson, Dashboard Confessional, Jeff Foxworthy, Tim McGraw, Travis Tritt and Sawyer Brown.[3]
The arena is named after former Morehead State basketball, baseball, and football coach, Ellis T. Johnson.
References
- "Morehead State University :: Campus Buildings :: Academic-Athletic Center (AAC)". Archived from the original on 2015-06-15. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
- 2012-13 Ohio Valley Conference Men's Basketball Media Guide. Brentwood, Tenn.: Ohio Valley Conference. 2012. pp. 34–35, 104–105. Retrieved 2017-02-14.
- "Morehead State University - Basketball Facility". Msueagles.com. Retrieved 2015-06-13.