TED CONSTANT CONVOCATION CENTER GRAND OPENING TONIGHT

The much-anticipated Ted Constant Convocation Center at Old Dominion University will open Friday, Oct. 25, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception, followed by the annual Founders' Day dinner and awards ceremony. The celebration will kick off a monthlong series of concerts, basketball games, open houses and other events to showcase the new state-of-the-art facility.

Gov. Mark Warner will be the guest speaker for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Following the ceremony, tours of the convocation center will be given from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting and tours are free and open to the public, but reservations are requested by calling 683-3116.

The Founders' Day program, titled "Realizing Dreams," will follow these events at 7 p.m. Nine former students will receive Distinguished Alumni awards during the program, and eight other awards will be presented, including the University Medal to James V. Koch, Board of Visitors Professor of Economics and President Emeritus.

The celebration of the Constant Convocation Center will continue throughout October and November with the following events:

Oct. 26
10 a.m. � 1 p.m. Community Open House
1 p.m. Kids' Basketball Shoot-around
3:30 p.m. Monarch Blue/White Scrimmage ($)

Oct. 28
7:30 p.m. Concert: Counting Crows ($)

Nov. 2
2 p.m. Lady Monarchs Blue/White Scrimmage ($)

Nov. 7-10
Varied Sesame Street Live ($)

Nov. 13
7 p.m. Lady Monarchs Exhibition Game ($)

Nov. 16
8 p.m. Concert: Ludacris, with Nappy Roots ($)

Nov. 17
5 � 8:30 p.m. Dedication Ceremony of the Ted Constant Convocation Center
Dinner and Concert Featuring the Virginia Symphony and guest artist Roberta Flack ($)

Nov. 22
7 p.m. Lady Monarchs vs. University of Virginia ($)

Nov. 24
1 p.m. Monarchs vs. University of North Carolina ($)

For tickets to concerts and basketball games call 683-4444.