Facilities 2/28/2013 9:59:00 AM

Montana Tech Athletic Facilities

Athletic Facilities at Montana Tech include Alumni Coliseum and the HPER Complex. Both have seen many upgrades in recent history and continue to improve to better serve students, student-athletes, Oredigger fans and the community.

The HPER Complex, home to Oredigger Men's and Women's basketball and volleyball, was completed in 1977. During a special session of the 42nd Montana State Legislature in 1971, Dr. Fred De Money's "dream facility" came into existence. Construction of the building cost a total of $2.5 million.The HPER houses Kelvin Sampson Court, three-level fitness center, dance studio, racquetball courts, locker rooms, classrooms, and offices. Passes are available to the public through the Digger Athletic Association.

Kelvin Sampson Court was recently renovated in 2008. New hardwood floor, bleachers, scoreboards, basketball backboards, sound system and video board was installed.

Funded by a student-driven initiative and student-approved addition of fees over time, the HPER complex underwent a $3.6 million overhaul in 2011-12. The project was approved by the university system's Board of Regents and groundbreaking occurred in May of 2011 and was completed in May of 2012. The expansion includes upgraded cardio fitness and weight room facilities, locker room space, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems.

Alumni Coliseum is the site for Montana Tech Football games. Well known as a tough place to visit by opponents, it is a classic example of home field advantage. Playing at high altitude or confronting the Hooligans, the Frontier Conference knows that every home game in Butte is a challenge.

Alumni Coliseum was built in the 1960's by the Alumni Association and Butte community. Many hands were invloved in it's construction. On October 4th, 1969, the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association handed the stadium over to Montana Tech.

Renovations over the last couple of years have turned Alumni Coliseum into a high caliber stadium for athletes and fans. Over 1,000 reserved seats were added in 2010 along with a brand new scoreboard. The Newmont Scoreboard with DiggerVision has elevated the fan atmosphere above the mile-high elevation of its location. In 2011, the press box was renovated to accommodate for DiggerVision and upgraded the club section for better hospitality during football games.

In the summer of 2013, an artificial playing surface was installed. Student-athletes, club sports, intramurals and high school athletes use the high tech surface. Unlike Alumni Coliseum of the past, the surface has an increased forgiveness and safety for all participants. The new surface was paid for by alumni, corporate gifts and other forms of philanthropy. The field at Alumni Coliseum was dedicated to long-time coach Bob Green Field at the first home game of the 2013 season. Not only is Butte a feared place for opposing teams, it is the highlight of their schedule.

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