Harper Center down, multi-million dollar fitness center to go.

The latest expansion effort to be announced was The Ryan Center and D.J. Sokol Arena, a 46,000 square- foot- facility that will house everything from women’s basketball to high school graduations.

“Board members Connie Ryan and Dave Sokol, and their families, are united in embracing the University’s master plan and accelerated our efforts to make this center and arena a reality. They felt the timing was right, not only to make a difference at Creighton, but to continue the renaissance of making the corridor from the riverfront to the Creighton University Medical Center an academic, athletic and entertainment district,” said the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S. J., President of Creighton University in a press release.

When ground broke for this project last fall, it was expected to cost $12 million, and has stretched into an $18 million endeavor that fits inside its walls a gymnasium seating 2,500-3,000 people, women’s basketball and volleyball coaches’ offices, locker rooms, ticket offices, athletic training facilities and meeting rooms and media workrooms.

Laurel Gegner, Arts & Sciences sophomore, said she is excited to see the new arena when she’s a senior.

“I’m loving this new equipment in the Harper Center, though,” Gegner said while working out on the leg extension machine.

She said she’ll try any workout center on campus with new machines.

“I’m mostly looking forward to the track and turf I’ve been hearing about,” she said.

The gymnasium is named for Wayne and Eileen Ryan, who have been continuing supporters of Creighton and recently established the Fr. Henry W. Casper, S.J. Professorship. Casper was one of Wayne Ryan’s favorite professors when he was a Creighton student, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1949 and his master’s degree in 1951.

But that’s just the half of it.

The D.J. Sokol Arena is named for the son of Dave and Peggy Sokol, died after a battle with Hodgkin’s disease.

“D.J. knew the true value of life and the importance of teamwork. Peggy and I couldn’t think of a better way to honor his life than providing the dollars to fund a sports arena for deserving teams. I have always said that you’ve got to make repayments to your community for the opportunities you’ve gotten from the community,” Dave Sokol said in a press release.

The finished center is set to open in the summer of 2010, so lace up the running shoes for the elevated running track, or pick teams for flag football on the indoor turf. And if making the trek to the Harper Center seems too long, students can get a bite at the health food restaurant after a long workout.