New arena not quite ready for Cowgirl home opener

David Berry

McNeese State University released a statement Friday confirming the delay of the opening of its new Health and Human Performance Complex.

Currently, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are able to use the practice facility inside the H&HP to prepare for the upcoming season. But the statement confirmed the arena will not be ready for the Cowgirls’ home-opener  Sunday, Nov. 11 against University of Louisiana at Lafayette. That game will be played at Burton Coliseum.

Questions remain as to whether the H&HP will be ready for the men’s basketball home opener against Loyola University New Orleans on Nov. 16. The statement said a decision for that game will be made next week; the latest a decision can be made is Nov. 9.

“When McNeese accepts the building from the contractor, McNeese staff  will also need several days to test the technology, supply the restrooms and concession stand before the building opens to the public,” the statement said.

According to previous reports, McNeese had hoped to open the H&HP Sept. 1.

Alfred Palma LLC is the contractor for the project. A voicemail left for James Palma — vice president of Alfred Palma and the project manager for the H&amp;HP — did not receive a response.””<p>McNeese State University announced Friday that the Health and Human Performance complex will not be ready for the McNeese women’s basketball opener Sunday, Nov. 11, as planned.</p>Rick Hickman

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