Does Michigan State University Need a New Olympic Sports Arena?

Ready or not - here it comes.

The Board of Trustees at Michigan State University has given its blessing to plans to construct a massive new Olympic sports arena, a new hotel and space for new restaurants, offices and housing near the intersection of Trowbridge and Harrison Roads not far from U.S. 127.

The proposed new Spartan Gateway District would transform a major entrance onto the campus of Michigan State University. (Photo via Michigan State University)

But what exactly is this Spartan Gateway District, and does MSU really need it?

What Is the Spartan Gateway District?

Officials at Michigan State say this massive new development - currently called the "Spartan Gateway District" - is necessary to allow the university to remain competitive in sports such as wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics.

Not only would the new development house a new $150 million Olympic sports arena, the university says it "could include buildings to support academic programs, a hotel to augment the Kellogg Center, mixed-use retail/office/housing, market rate housing and parking to serve the site."

Why Does Michigan State Want to Build a New Olympic Sports Arena?

The proposed new 4,000 seat arena will allow MSU to remain competitive in the Big Ten Conference, according to a resolution now adopted by the university's Board of Trustees.

The proposed new Spartan Gateway District would greatly change the complexion of the corner of Trowbridge and Harrison Roads at the west entry onto the campus of Michigan State University. (Photo via Michigan State University)

The rationale? Proponents say "the expanded Big Ten Conference will require regional competitions, and most other Big Ten Conference institutions have facilities that can host regional events. MSU does not, and absent a new facility, we would likely not be able to have home competition on regular basis. This would put us at a competitive disadvantage."

Is the New Spartan Gateway District at Michigan State Really Necessary?

There are those who debate whether this proposed new development at Michigan State is really needed.

Let me help you with that.

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It's 100% a good idea whose time has come. The Spartans have identified a way to make the Spartan Gateway District happen, and once construction is complete, it's going to boost the profile of an already (mostly) well-regarded collegiate athletics program.

The cities of Lansing and East Lansing will reap benefits as well, simply by being adjacent to the project. Local businesses will see increased foot traffic on game days and event nights. More customers will be visiting local restaurants, bars, shops and other hotels. The project will also bolster job creation and tax revenue.

Improvements along U.S. 127 at Trowbridge Road will be finished before the Spartan Gateway District can be completed, so that won't be a worry.

New developments like this can spark even more development (and re-development) in areas close by. Lansing could use that.

It's a win-win for everyone.