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BSC to break ground on a Mystics athletic arena and student center on June 27

Published: Jun 20 2024
BSC to break ground on a Mystics athletic arena and student center on June 27 - Photo
BSC student-athletes and student government representatives, the BSC community, and the Frank Bavendick family will break ground on the brand new BSC Bavendick Center on Thursday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. The new facility is the future home for collegiate sports, recreation and campus events.

The 80,000-square-foot Bavendick Center will be located at 1511 Canary Ave., where the former BSC Library was situated on the BSC campus and overlooks the MDU Resources Community Bowl and the Missouri River. The anticipated completion date is late Winter 2025 or early Spring 2026.

This isn’t just any new campus building; the BSC Bavendick Center is going to be a game-changer! It’s designed to be a place where every BSC student—past, present, and future—can come together to compete, connect and celebrate like never before and a facility that will elevate athletics to the next level for our communities’ athletes and fans. Whether it’s catching a Mystics game in the 2,000-seat arena, getting steps in on the walking track, or enjoying a variety of campus events, this facility will have it all.

In May 2023, the BSC Student Government Association (SGA) passed a resolution supporting the construction of a new facility and organized a student vote to increase the current mandatory student fee beginning in Fall 2025 to pay for a portion of the new facility. The SGA cited facility accessibility and equitability as the motivators driving their initiative. On September 27, 2023, more than 82% of the BSC student body voted in favor of the project.

A generous lead gift from the Frank and Joanne Bavendick family, coupled with student fees and additional community and employee donations, will provide the funds to construct the new $40 million facility. Frank Bavendick was a student-athlete at BSC, then Bismarck Junior College, in 1949-50. Following graduation, he became a faithful Mystics fan, fostering a lifetime of friendships with BSC and its students. Over the years, Frank attended many volleyball and basketball games at the BSC Armory, a tradition his son and daughter-in-law Greg and Yvette have carried on. Frank was often known to stop by and chat with the coaches and Mystics athletes – even working out with them in the weight room. During those visits, Frank often talked of a need for a new athletic facility for the growing college. 
 
The Bavendick family’s contribution to this project ensures that Frank’s dream becomes a reality and that his Mystic pride will forever be remembered with a campus facility that will proudly carry his name.

The Bavendick Center will seat approximately 2,000 enthusiastic Mystics fans, which is roughly four times larger than the BSC Armory – the current home of Mystics athletics. The new facility will be home to Mystics basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports competitions, and athletic training areas. It will also include:
  • a student hub,
  • intramural sports,
  • an indoor walking track,
  • rock-climbing walls, and
  • a virtual reality sports simulator.
Other uses for the arena space include:
  • on-campus graduation ceremonies,
  • entertainment performances, and
  • gym space to host sports camps and tournaments.
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public and more information about the event can be found at bismarckstate.edu/events.