Joseph H. Barnett Physical Education and Convocation Center

The 128,000 square foot athletic complex was built in 1987, at a cost of $8.9 million. The Barnett Center features an 8,000 seat arena, classrooms, six-lane swimming pool, 160-meter track, wrestling and weight-lifting facilities, and basketball, tennis, volleyball, and handball/racquetball/squash courts. The complex honors the late South Dakota Representative Joseph Barnett, who was instrumental in helping secure funds for the complex. Rep. Barnett died unexpectedly on May 1, 1985. South Dakota Governor William Janklow, speaking at Northern's 83rd commencement three days later, announced that not only would the complex be built, but it would be named in honor of Barnett. The complex was officially dedicated September 26, 1987. In 1990, the arena was dedicated to legendary Northern basketball coach Bob Wachs, who amassed 532 wins in a career that spanned 30 years, from 1955 to 1985. He died November 28, 1993.