The Amarillo Civic Center has a unique hoops history – with a new chapter coming.
Two members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame played on the basketball court at the Amarillo Civic Center (ACC) – Larry Bird and Maurice Cheeks.From 1969 to 1996, some of the best women’s college basketball programs in the country played on the court as the National Women’s Invitational Tournament (NWIT) was held in Amarillo. Through the years, the ACC hosted many high school playoff basketball games (some of which packed the Cal Farley Coliseum) and has welcomed many popular hoops events, such as the Harlem Globetrotters.
This is some of the history of the ACC basketball court, which has been in use since the facility opened in 1968. After nearly 60 years of use, the historic court needed more than maintenance – it needed a replacement.
Basketball is back as the ACC has a new basketball court. The new court, which is available for public booking, tournaments or a private event, was $166,746. Rather than discarding the original court, ACC staff managed to recoup $20,000 by selling the original court at online auction. The proceeds are additional revenue for the ACC and help offset operational costs.
“We are very excited about this new basketball court, which will enhance the many entertainment and athletic opportunities the Amarillo Civic Center Complex can provide to the public,” said ACC Complex General Manager Christopher Post. “It is really a beautiful court.”
The original court, due to age and decades of use, was in a worn condition and not acceptable for many regulated sports events. The court had dead spots that would prevent the natural bounce of a basketball. It was also becoming difficult to install the court due to aged bolts which held the court together.
For more information on the ACC Complex, go to: www.amarillociviccenter.com/