Ohio State’s Covelli Center opens

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Ohio State University’s Department of Athletics has opened its own version of a Covelli Center.

Ohio State on Tuesday unveiled a competition space for six varsity sports and more than 150 student-athletes.

The new arena is projected to host at least 50 competitions annually in addition to numerous summer camps and Ohio high school tournaments.

The Covelli Center is a $48.9 million project funded through private philanthropy. A $10 million donation from Caryn and Sam Covelli kick-started the project.

The Covelli Center replaces the Buckeyes’ previous location in St. John Arena which was built in 1956.

“It is an honor to be a part of new traditions at The Ohio State University, the preeminent university in the country in both academic and athletic excellence,” said Sam Covelli of Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread. “We are proud to have our name associated with this state-of-the-art facility that will mean so much to thousands of student-athletes and fans for years to come.”

Construction for the 100,000-square-foot facility began in September 2017.

The arena, which holds 3,700 people, includes 10 lockerrooms, seven coach’s offices, enhanced team meeting and study spaces.