The Leonard E. Merrell Center (commonly known as the Merrell Center) is a 7,200-seat multi-purpose arena in Katy, Texas. It was built in 2005 and was the former home of the Katy Copperheads (National Indoor Football League) and the Katy Ruff Riders of the Intense Football League. The Merrell Center has hosted the Southland Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments from 2008 to 2022, but both tournaments will move to The Legacy Center on the campus of McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 2023. The Houston Stallions of the Lone Star Football League moved to the Merrell Center in 2011.

Leonard E. Merrell Center
Merrell Center
Map
Location6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy, Texas 77494
Coordinates29°46′49″N 95°49′56″W / 29.78028°N 95.83222°W / 29.78028; -95.83222
OwnerKaty Independent School District
OperatorKaty Independent School District
Capacity7,200 (Concerts)
5,794 (Basketball)[1]
4,290 (Telescoping seats retracted)[1]
Construction
Broke groundJune 2003
OpenedMarch 2005
Construction cost$ 18.9 Million
ArchitectPBK Architects
Tenants
Katy Copperheads (NIFL) (2006)
Katy Ruff Riders (Intense) (2007–2008)
Houston Stallions (SIFL/LSFL) (2011–2012)

As a concert venue the arena seats 1,500 for theater shows and up to 7,200 for arena concerts. Capacity for athletic events is 5,794.[1] The arena can seat up to 1,200 for banquets. The arena contains a 21,600-square-foot (120' by 180') arena floor, big enough for small trade shows, a 3,000-square-foot (280 m2) meeting room that can be divisible into three smaller rooms, and a 6,300-square-foot (590 m2) lobby. The arena is also used for commencement ceremonies and high school basketball.

Second Level Foyer - Merrell Center
Second Level Foyer - Merrell Center

Adjacent to the Merrell Center is the Katy ISD L. D. Robinson Pavilion & Rodeo Arena.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Sports + Events Arenas". PBK Architects. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
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