School opens $20 million arena

FORT MYERS — The Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, a $20 million project that's a centerpiece of the school's rebranding and expansion efforts, will host its debut event tonight.

The event is a home-opening doubleheader for the men's and women's basketball teams. The FSW women Buccaneers play Hillsborough Community College at 6 p.m. and the FSW men Buccaneers play Broward College at 8 p.m. The FSW Athletics department plans to host a tailgate party, a 'BUC BASH,' prior to the games. That event starts at 4 p.m., according to a statement from Florida SouthWestern State College, formerly known as Edison State College in Fort Myers.

Tampa-based Suncoast Credit Union agreed to a $5 million deal in early 2015 to name the new FSW basketball arena.

The 75,000-square-foot arena seats about 3,300 fans, the college says, and it will host the Buccaneers' basketball and volleyball teams and a student athletic center. It includes six skyboxes; a hospitality event center; competition courts that convert into recreational courts; athletic office space; and an athletic center with a fitness pavilion, men's and women's locker rooms and a weight training area. The arena will also host graduations and concerts.