Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Kovalchick Complex took place November 13, 2008, and included an announcement of a challenge grant for $1 million for the facility from Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduate Chad Hurley, co-founder of YouTube, in honor of Indiana University of Pennsylvania music professor and track and field coach Ed Fry. In honor of Hurley’s gift, the Arena was named after Fry. The complex is named in honor of the Kovalchick Family, of Indiana, PA, who donated $2 million for the facility’s construction.
While owned by Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), IUP selected Oak View Group to manage the daily operations of the Kovalchick Complex. Oak View Group (OVG)
is the global leader in live experience
venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree
solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster
of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts
centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving
Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of
major new venues either open or under development across four continents.
With a portfolio of more than 240 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG360 provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG360 helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health and public safety and more.