COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A new era for University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) athletics begins Friday when the Mountain Lions play the first games in the new 1,250-seat UCCS Event Center.

The Mountain Lions face Fort Lewis on Friday and Adams State on Saturday. Women's games both nights begin at 6 p.m. with the men's games at approximately 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. Advance tickets are available by calling 719-255-3602.

The 27,000 square foot event center, located adjacent to the old Lions' Den, features high-tech sound, lighting and high-speed data capability that will make it a multi-purpose facility with uses by intercollegiate athletics, large all-campus events and conferences.

Athletic fans will notice new LED scoreboards, scrolling message score tables and improved seating, restrooms and concession areas. Also included are a large visitor's locker room, an official's locker room and a VIP area.

"I don't think I can overstate how important the new UCCS Events Center will be for the development of our athletics programs," said UCCS athletic director and women's basketball coach Stephen Kirkham. "It will positively impact us in many areas, particularly in local recruiting and alumni relations."

In addition to athletics, the event center will be used for large all-campus events, such as convocation, and will be available for rent by non-university entities.

This weekend's games will be a soft opening since some finish work remains.

Official grand opening ceremonies, featuring UCCS and CU dignitaries, is set for Jan. 22 at 4 p.m., prior to games against Regis College. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to attend. The ceremony will feature comments by CU Regent Steve Bosley, President Bruce Benson, Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak and Student Government President Daniel Garcia. For more information about the ceremonies, call 719-255-3210.

The $9 million center began in fall 2007 with a $2 million allocation from the Office of the President of the University of Colorado. Multiple revenue sources were used to fund the balance of the project.

Following other recent construction at UCCS, the event center will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for its energy efficiency and use of sustainable building practices. The event center’s opening eliminates the distinction of UCCS athletics as having the smallest venue in all of NCAA Division II.

UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 34 bachelor's degrees, 19 master's and five doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 8,500 students annually.