Following a national search by a committee of university and community members, facility management firm Global Spectrum has been chosen by Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA, to manage, market and operate the Ed Fry Arena in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex (KCAC) now under construction. The 5,000-capacity venue is scheduled for a June 2011 opening.

Global Spectrum will be in charge of all pre-opening phases of managing the arena, including final stages of facility design and construction, marketing, hiring a general manager and arena staff. Once opened, staff will handle the arena's day-to-day management, including booking, scheduling, marketing, maintenance, contracted services, staffing and other operations.

"Through the proven talent and expertise of Global Spectrum, the KCAC will be able to consistently attract a caliber of entertainment and cultural fare that is top-notch by national and international standards," IUP president Dr. Tony Atwater said in a statement. "The university's partnership with Global Spectrum demonstrates IUP's resolve to make the KCAC a first-rate cultural, sport and entertainment venue for both Indiana County and western
Pennsylvania."

The $53.4 million KCAC will also include the 650-seat Christine Toretti auditorium, a conference center, grand lobby, commercial kitchen and offices for IUP athletics.

Other university venues managed by Global Spectrum include the Liacouras Center at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA; the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI; the Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO; and the Colonial Life Arena at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC.