| Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center | |
|---|---|
| "Lawson Center" | |
| Location | 1800 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, Florida 32310 |
| Broke ground | July 27, 2007 |
| Opened | April 4, 2009 (basketball) |
| Owner | Florida A&M University |
| Operator | Florida A&M University |
| Surface | Hardwood |
| Construction cost | $40 Million ($41 million in 2012 dollars[1]) |
| Architect | Williams-Russell & Johnson, Inc Akin & Associates Architects, Inc. |
| Project Manager | Turner Construction |
| General Contractor | F.L. Crane & Sons |
| Capacity | 9,639 |
| Tenants | |
| Florida A&M Rattlers athletics | |
Florida A&M University's Teaching Gymnasium officially named the Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center is a 9,639-seat multi-purpose arena in Tallahassee, Florida [2]. It was built in 2009 and it is home to the Florida A&M University basketball team. The arena replaced Jake Gaither Gymnasium, which is a 3,365-seat multi-purpose arena. The Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center is the second biggest arena in Tallahassee, Florida right behind the 13,800 seat arena, the Donald L. Tucker Center. The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was April 8, 2009.[3]
Florida state senator Al Lawson was instrumental in getting the funding for this center and other buildings on the campus of Florida A&M University. Lawson is a well known alumnus and had the privilege of having his family there to see him accept the honor of the building being named for him.[4]
Planned uses include Wrestling, Concerts, Plays, Shows, Comedy, Entertainment and more. The Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center is the 3rd largest arena in the Florida Panhandle.