PHOTO | RIK ANDERSEN
In 1951 the Fieldhouse, known as “The Box,” was the hot ticket for various events and well-known performers and enter¬tainers before the First United Bank Center opened.
Among the many students, fans and spectators who have stepped foot into the Fieldhouse, well- known figures such as Gerald Ford, Willie Nelson, Naomi Judd and Olivia Newton John have also graced West Texas at “The Box.”
West Texas A&M University has rightfully chosen “The Box” as one of this year’s ornaments to commemorate its many memories-old and new.
“We thought we needed to do “The Box” because it was an old building that a lot of people had ties to; either they had played there, or their kids had played there. It’s just used by a lot of people; it was a good thing to do as an ornament,” Mary Lou Glasco, merchandise buyer, said. “I love to go watch volleyball there, so there is a lot of sentimental value.”
Alongside the Fieldhouse Ornament will also be the Centennial Ornament. It’s the last one of its kind, in the 11-ornament series in dedication to the University’s 100th birthday.
Proceeds from the ornaments will go towards campus beautification projects.
Both ornaments are exclusively available at the University Bookstore or online here.
Web Editor’s Note: For more on the centennial ornaments, click here.