Located in the heart of Weatherford, Oklahoma, the Pioneer Cellular Event Center stands as a state-of-the-art, 93,000 square-foot facility. This impressive venue is not only home to the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Bulldog basketball and volleyball teams but also serves as a vibrant hub for a wide array of events. The SWOSU Athletic offices are conveniently located within the building, alongside a cutting-edge athletic training room in the locker room area, making it a central point for university athletics.
The Pioneer Cellular Event Center project originated from the City of Weatherford’s “Vision 2020” strategic plan. Realized through the “Yes! Weatherford” sales tax campaign, alongside contributions from SWOSU students and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, this center is a testament to community collaboration. Ground was broken in December 2011, and by January 2014, the center proudly opened its doors, ready to host the community.
With an arena seating capacity of approximately 4,000, the Pioneer Cellular Event Center is a significant undertaking, funded equally by the city of Weatherford sales tax, university students, and the University, each contributing $7 million. Further demonstrating community support, past SWOSU students contributed over $90,000 towards an alumni center located on the lower level, enhancing the facility’s connection to its alumni base.
Strategically built adjacent to ASAP Energy Field, the Event Center extends its utility by providing additional suite and restroom facilities during SWOSU home football games. A highlight of the facility is the top-floor VIP suite, offering panoramic views of both the football field and the arena. This premium space is designed to host donors, meetings, and serve as a versatile suite for both game days and various events, enhancing the experience for guests and stakeholders alike.
The Pioneer Cellular Event Center boasts modern locker rooms, coaches’ offices, the Legacy Bank Media Room, and the Dr. Michael E. Kiehn Athletic Training Facility. Furthermore, a number of multifunctional rooms cater to athletic matches, university functions, and community events, ensuring its versatility. Adding to its prestige, a brand new SWOSU Athletics Hall of Fame kiosk is situated on the north side of the main floor concourse, celebrating the university’s athletic legacy.
Economic projections for the Pioneer Cellular Event Center estimated an average of at least 25,500 visitors annually to Western Oklahoma. These visitors are drawn by concerts, corporate events, trade shows, state tournaments, and numerous other attractions. It’s anticipated that the activities within this advanced facility could generate visitor spending of around $870,000 per year, creating a substantial positive economic impact for Weatherford, Western Oklahoma, and the entire state.
On August 5, 2013, it was officially announced that the facility would be named the Pioneer Cellular Event Center. Pioneer Cellular entered into a joint venture with SWOSU and the City of Weatherford, securing exclusive naming rights for the venue, further embedding community and corporate partnership.
The inaugural collegiate basketball games took place on January 25, 2014. The SWOSU Bulldogs hosted their rivals, Northwestern Oklahoma State, in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 2,545 fans, marking a successful beginning for sports events at the center. As part of the SWOSU Panorama series, renowned comedian Bill Cosby was the first performer at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center, entertaining a full house on April 3, 2014, indicating the venue’s appeal for diverse entertainment. Since then, the center has hosted numerous local basketball tournaments, and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) frequently chooses Weatherford as a location for postseason games.
The Pioneer Cellular Event Center achieved national recognition on January 28, 2017, when the Bulldog Basketball teams were selected for the NCAA Division II Basketball Showcase. SWOSU hosted Great American Conference rival Arkansas Tech, with both games broadcast live on the American Sports Network, showcasing the venue and SWOSU athletics on a national stage.
The Pioneer Cellular Event Center in Weatherford, OK, is more than just a building; it’s a dynamic space that enhances community life, supports university athletics, and drives economic growth in Western Oklahoma. For more information about upcoming events or to explore hosting your own event, visit the Pioneer Cellular Event Center Website.
