The wait is almost over.

Later this year, the Eureka Loggers will finally open their new Jay Willard Gymnasium, which is expected to be competed during the summer.

And several of the student athletes are looking forward to competing in the new 40,000 square foot arena.

“I feel like playing in the old gym there’s a bunch of memories and everyone’s played there, but now having a new gym I’m excited because we get to create those first memories and it will be super cool to experience that,” said Eureka sophomore Mallorie Beauchamp, who plays on the girls basketball team.

The Loggers released a YouTube video this week detailing their new gym and what it means to the school, the community and the student athletes.

“Think about the phenomenon of a brand new facility, it’s going to have a shine on the floor and on the walls and our students are going to get to take advantage of the most beautiful athletic facility in all of Northern California,” said Eureka Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Omar Khattab.

Once complete, the new facility will have a regulation basketball and volleyball court with retractable seating for more than 1,200 spectators. 

“I’m hoping for the atmosphere to be really good with the fans,” said Eureka junior Maia Hales, another member of the girls basketball team. “I think the community will come together just even for the opening day or the first game that’s played in here, which is really exciting, and I think it will boost our confidence a lot.”

The new gymnasium will also host wrestling dual meets and tournaments.

“I think you’re a product of your environment and I think having good facilities will facilitate good practices, good energy, and lead to good performance in games,” Eureka wrestler Elijah Griffin said.

The new arena will also host the 2023 Logger Classic basketball tournament in December.

The Loggers will host a farewell weekend for the old Jay Willard Gymnasium in late April with several events free and open to the community.

We’ll have more details on the farewell weekend in the coming weeks.

The new gym under construction last summer.