What is the Lakewood Church Central Campus?

The Lakewood Church Central Campus is the primary facility for Lakewood Church, a non-denominational evangelical Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas. It is situated five miles southwest of Downtown Houston, adjacent to Greenway Plaza.

What were the previous names of the building now known as Lakewood Church Central Campus?

Before becoming Lakewood Church Central Campus, the building was known as The Summit from 1975 to 1998. It was subsequently renamed Compaq Center from 1998 to 2003, following a naming rights deal. During renovations from 2003 to 2005, it was referred to as the Lakewood International Center.

Where is the Lakewood Church Central Campus located?

The Lakewood Church Central Campus is located in Houston, Texas, specifically at 3700 Southwest Freeway. It is situated approximately five miles southwest of Downtown Houston and is adjacent to Greenway Plaza.

What was the original purpose of the building now known as Lakewood Church Central Campus?

Originally, the building served as a multi-purpose sports arena from 1975 to 2003. It hosted professional sports teams, most notably the NBA's Houston Rockets, and was also used for concerts and other large events.

When did the building officially open as a sports arena, and what was its initial construction cost?

The building, initially named The Summit, opened on November 1, 1975. Its initial construction cost was US$27 million.

What event marked the opening night of The Summit?

The opening night of The Summit featured a spectacular event called "Heart To Heart," which benefited the Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital, and the Texas Heart Institute. The headliner for this event was Andy Williams.

Why was The Summit constructed?

The Summit was constructed because the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets, after moving from San Diego in 1971, lacked a suitable indoor arena in Houston to host a major sports franchise. The existing Sam Houston Coliseum was considered inadequate.

What teams have used the Lakewood Church Central Campus as their home venue throughout its history?

The venue has been home to several professional sports teams, including the Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Aeros (WHA/IHL/AHL), Houston Summit (MISL), Houston Hotshots (CISL), Houston Thunderbears/Texas Terror (AFL), and Houston Comets (WNBA). Since 2005, it has served as the home for Lakewood Church.

What was the initial construction cost of The Summit, and what is its equivalent value in 2024 dollars?

The initial construction cost of The Summit was US$27 million. In 2024 dollars, this is equivalent to approximately $191 million.

What was the renovation cost for converting the arena into Lakewood Church Central Campus, and what is its 2024 equivalent?

The renovation cost to convert the arena into the church's facility was $95 million. In 2024 dollars, this is equivalent to approximately $158 million.

Who were the architects responsible for the original construction of The Summit?

The architects responsible for the original construction of The Summit were Kenneth Bentsen Associates and Lloyd Jones Associates.

Who designed the renovations when the building was converted into Lakewood Church?

The renovations for Lakewood Church were designed by Morris Architects and Shaw Architects. Walter P Moore served as the structural engineer for both the original construction and the renovations.

What was the general seating capacity of The Summit?

The general seating capacity of The Summit was 16,800. Specific capacities varied slightly for different sports, such as basketball (up to 16,611) and ice hockey (up to 15,256).

When did The Summit cease to operate as a sports arena, and when did it reopen as Lakewood Church?

The building closed as a sports arena on December 1, 2003. It reopened as Lakewood Church Central Campus on July 16, 2005, after extensive renovations.

What significant sporting events were hosted at The Summit?

The Summit hosted multiple NBA Finals in 1981, 1986, 1994, and 1995. It also hosted the WNBA championships from 1997 through 2000, all of which were won by the Houston Comets. Additionally, it hosted professional wrestling events, including the WWF's Royal Rumble in 1989.

What notable professional wrestling events took place at The Summit/Compaq Center?

Notable professional wrestling events included the first WWF pay-per-view Royal Rumble in 1989, the No Way Out of Texas PPV in 1998, and the Bad Blood PPV in 2003. It also hosted a live episode of WWE SmackDown! on September 13, 2001, shortly after the September 11 attacks.

How did The Summit become known as the Compaq Center?

In 1998, the arena sold its naming rights to Compaq Computer Corporation, a Houston-based technology firm. This deal, worth $900,000 per year for five years, led to the venue being renamed Compaq Center.

What led to the sports teams moving out of The Summit/Compaq Center?

The sports teams moved out of the venue in 2003 because the lease for the aging arena was expiring, and tenants were advocating for a new, more modern facility. The new Toyota Center opened in downtown Houston that year, serving as the replacement venue.

How did Lakewood Church acquire the former Compaq Center?

After the sports teams moved out in 2003, the City of Houston leased the arena to Lakewood Church. The church invested significantly in renovations and eventually purchased the building outright from the city in March 2010 for $7.5 million, terminating its lease.

What major renovations did Lakewood Church undertake after leasing the building?

Lakewood Church invested $95 million in renovations that took over 15 months to complete. These renovations included adding five stories to increase capacity and reconfiguring the space to suit the church's needs.

What was the significance of The Summit in the context of NBA arenas during its construction period?

The Summit represented a new generation of lavish sports arenas, featuring extensive amenities. Its construction contributed to the NBA's growth from a second-tier sport into a major entertainment industry.

Which architects were involved in the renovation of the arena into Lakewood Church?

The architects involved in the renovation were Morris Architects and Shaw Architects. Walter P Moore served as the structural engineer, and the Irvine Team and Studio Red Architects also contributed as other designers.

Who was the main contractor for the renovation of the arena into Lakewood Church?

Tellepsen Builders served as the main contractor for the renovation project.

What was the capacity of The Summit for basketball games?

The capacity for basketball games at The Summit varied over the years, ranging from 15,676 in its early years (1975–1983) up to 16,611 by 1987.

What type of scoreboard system was used at The Summit?

The Summit utilized Fair-Play scoreboards. These were later upgraded in 1986 with the addition of three front-projection videoboards on top of each scoreboard.

What was the significance of the November 20, 1975 concert by The Who at The Summit?

The concert by The Who on November 20, 1975, was the arena's first major rock concert. It was recorded and later released in various formats, including the album *The Who: Live in Texas '75* and on the "30 Years of Maximum R&B" DVD set.

Which artists performed during the "P-Funk Earth Tour" at The Summit?

Parliament-Funkadelic performed during the "P-Funk Earth Tour" at The Summit on October 31, 1976, with Bootsy's Rubber Band as the opening act. This performance was recorded and released as *The Mothership Connection – Live from Houston*.

What significant event occurred during the Bee Gees concert on June 30, 1979?

During the Bee Gees' concert on June 30, 1979, John Travolta, who was filming the movie *Urban Cowboy*, made a special appearance at the show.

How was the Bruce Springsteen concert on December 8, 1978, documented?

The Bruce Springsteen concert on December 8, 1978, as part of the Darkness Tour, was released on DVD in 2010 as part of *The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story* box set.

What was unique about the Journey concerts held on November 5-6, 1981?

The Journey concerts on November 5-6, 1981, as part of the Escape Tour, were recorded for broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour and MTV. Parts of the show were later released on their *Greatest Hits Live* album, and the full concert was released as *Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour*.

What role did The Summit play in the filming of Cyndi Lauper's "Money Changes Everything" video?

The performance by Cyndi Lauper at The Summit on October 10, 1984, provided the footage for her promotional video for the song "Money Changes Everything." The show was also broadcast locally over the radio that evening.

Which artists performed during the Run-DMC "Run's House Tour" at The Summit on July 14, 1988?

The Run-DMC "Run's House Tour" at The Summit featured opening acts including Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, EPMD, and J. J. Fad.

What was the significance of the N.W.A concert on June 11, 1989?

The N.W.A concert on June 11, 1989, was part of their "Straight Outta Compton Tour" and featured supporting acts like Too Short, Kid 'n Play, Kwamé, Sir Mix-a-Lot, and J. J. Fad.

How many shows did Madonna perform at The Summit during her Blond Ambition World Tour?

Madonna performed two shows at The Summit on May 4-5, 1990, as part of her Blond Ambition World Tour, with Technotronic as the opening act.

What was the last concert held at The Summit/Compaq Center before its renovation into a church?

The last concert held at the venue before its renovation into Lakewood Church was by ZZ Top on November 22, 2003, as part of their Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers Tour.

What was the capacity of the arena for ice hockey games?

The capacity for ice hockey games at The Summit ranged from 14,906 in its early years (1975–1983) up to 15,256 by 1994.

What was the capacity of the arena for indoor soccer games?

The capacity for indoor soccer games at The Summit was 14,848.

When did Lakewood Church purchase the building outright from the city of Houston?

Lakewood Church announced its intention to purchase the campus outright from the city of Houston in March 2010, and the Houston City Council voted to approve the sale on March 31, 2010.

What was the sale price when Lakewood Church purchased the former Compaq Center from the city?

Lakewood Church purchased the former Compaq Center from the city of Houston for $7.5 million.

What was the role of Walter P Moore in the history of the building?

Walter P Moore served as the structural engineer for the original construction of The Summit and also for the renovations undertaken by Lakewood Church.

What is the geographic coordinate location of the Lakewood Church Central Campus?

The geographic coordinates for the Lakewood Church Central Campus are 29°43′49″N 95°26′6″W.

What was the purpose of the videoboards added to the scoreboards in 1986?

The videoboards added in 1986 were used to show live game footage and fan shots on the center videoboard, while the left and right videoboards displayed advertisements for the arena's sports team sponsors.

What was the significance of the 1994 and 1995 NBA Finals held at The Summit?

The Summit hosted the deciding games of the 1994 and 1995 NBA Finals, which were won by the Houston Rockets, and the subsequent championship celebrations took place there.

What was the name of the arena operating company that held the lease on the Compaq Center?

The Arena Operating Company held the lease on the Compaq Center.

What was the duration of the naming rights deal with Compaq Computer Corporation?

The naming rights deal with Compaq Computer Corporation was for five years, from 1998 until 2003.

What was the annual revenue generated from the Compaq naming rights deal?

The naming rights deal with Compaq generated $900,000 per year.

How many stories were added to the building during the renovations for Lakewood Church?

Five stories were added to the building during the renovations to accommodate Lakewood Church's needs.

What was the approximate duration of the renovations to convert the arena into a church?

The renovations to convert the arena into a church took over 15 months to complete.

What was the name of the first arena in Houston suitable for a major sports franchise, which The Summit replaced?

The Sam Houston Coliseum was the largest arena in Houston at the time, but it was considered inadequate for hosting a major sports franchise like the Houston Rockets, leading to the need for The Summit.

What were the interim venues used by the Houston Rockets before The Summit was completed?

Before The Summit was completed, the Houston Rockets played their home games in various local facilities, including Hofheinz Pavilion and the Astrodome.

What is the current status of The Summit/Compaq Center?

The building is currently the Central Campus facility for Lakewood Church, having been renovated and reopened as a church in 2005.

Lakewood Church Central Campus Wiki: From Arena to Altar: The Transformation of Lakewood Church Central Campus

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Campus Overview

The Megachurch Hub

The Lakewood Church Central Campus serves as the primary facility for Lakewood Church, a prominent non-denominational evangelical Christian megachurch situated in Houston, Texas. Located approximately five miles southwest of Downtown Houston, adjacent to Greenway Plaza, this expansive complex represents a significant architectural and cultural transformation.

Strategic Location

Positioned along the Southwest Freeway, the campus is a recognizable landmark within Houston's dynamic urban landscape. Its strategic placement facilitates accessibility for its large congregation and serves as a testament to adaptive reuse in urban development.

Architectural Heritage

Originally constructed as a state-of-the-art sports arena, the building has been meticulously renovated to accommodate the needs of a modern megachurch, blending its historical significance with contemporary functionality.

A Venue's Dual Life

The Sporting Era

From 1975 to 2003, the structure was a premier multi-purpose sports arena. It was initially known as "The Summit" until 1998, when Compaq Computer Corporation acquired naming rights, rebranding it as "Compaq Center." This era saw it host major professional sports teams and significant events.

Transition to Worship

Following the relocation of sports franchises to the new Toyota Center, the City of Houston leased the arena to Lakewood Church. This marked the beginning of a substantial renovation process, transforming the sports venue into a dedicated house of worship, a transition completed and formalized by the church's outright purchase in 2010.

Renovation Investment

Lakewood Church invested approximately $95 million in renovations, a process that spanned over 15 months. These extensive upgrades included the addition of five stories to enhance capacity and reconfigure the space for its new purpose, demonstrating a significant commitment to adaptive reuse.

Building the Legacy

Original Construction

Groundbreaking for the arena occurred in December 1973, with the venue officially opening its doors on November 1, 1975. The initial construction cost was reported at $27 million, a considerable sum for the era, reflecting its ambition as a modern sports facility.

Architectural Design

The original architectural vision was brought to life by Kenneth Bentsen Associates and Lloyd Jones Associates, with Walter P. Moore serving as the structural engineer. This team laid the foundation for a structure that would serve multiple purposes over decades.

Modernization Costs

The subsequent renovation undertaken by Lakewood Church represented a significant financial undertaking, costing $95 million. This investment highlights the scale of the transformation required to convert a large-scale sports arena into a functional and aesthetically appropriate religious center.

Capacity & Scale

Current Capacity

As Lakewood Church's Central Campus, the facility accommodates approximately 16,800 individuals. This capacity is crucial for hosting its large weekly services and various church activities.

Historical Capacities

During its tenure as a sports arena, capacities varied slightly depending on the sport. For basketball, capacities ranged from 15,676 to 16,611. Ice hockey configurations typically held around 15,000 spectators, while indoor soccer events accommodated approximately 14,848.

Capacity Evolution

The transformation involved not only interior redesign but also structural modifications, including the addition of five stories, to optimize the space for its current use and accommodate the growing congregation.

Past Occupants

Basketball Legacies

The venue was the long-time home for the NBA's Houston Rockets from 1975 to 2003. It also hosted the WNBA's Houston Comets from 1997 to 2003, a period during which the Comets achieved remarkable success.

Hockey and Soccer

The arena also served as the home for the Houston Aeros (WHA/IHL/AHL) from 1975 to 1978 and again from 1994 to 2003. Additionally, indoor soccer teams like the Houston Summit (MISL) and Houston Hotshots (CISL) utilized the venue.

Arena Football

The Houston Thunderbears/Texas Terror, participants in the Arena Football League (AFL), also played their home games at the arena from 1996 to 2001, adding another layer to the building's diverse sporting history.

Memorable Occasions

Championship Stages

The arena hosted multiple NBA Finals (1981, 1986, 1994, 1995) and WNBA championships (1997-2000), witnessing pivotal moments in professional sports history.

Concert History

As a major concert venue, it featured legendary artists such as The Who, Wings, Queen, Prince, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and ZZ Top, among many others, hosting tours that defined eras in popular music.

Wrestling and More

The venue also hosted significant professional wrestling events, including the WWF Royal Rumble in 1989, and was a regular stop for touring family entertainment like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice.

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References

Walter P Moore â Arenas (archived)

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Wrestling shows from the Summit/Compaq Center, from WrestlingData.com

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Important Considerations

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This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

This is not professional advice. The content herein should not be construed as architectural, historical, or religious consultation. Always consult official documentation and qualified professionals for specific inquiries. Reliance on this information is at the user's own risk.

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From Arena to Altar

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Campus Overview 📍

⛪ The Megachurch Hub

🗺️ Strategic Location

🏛️ Architectural Heritage

A Venue's Dual Life ⏳

🏟️ The Sporting Era

➡️ Transition to Worship

🔄 Renovation Investment

Building the Legacy 🏗️

📅 Original Construction

📐 Architectural Design

💰 Modernization Costs

Capacity & Scale 📏

👥 Current Capacity

🏀 Historical Capacities

📊 Capacity Evolution

Past Occupants 👥

🏀 Basketball Legacies

🏒 Hockey and Soccer

🏈 Arena Football

Memorable Occasions 🌟

🏆 Championship Stages

🎤 Concert History

🤼 Wrestling and More

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Important Considerations ⚠️

📜 AI-Generated Content Disclaimer

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Campus Overview

The Megachurch Hub

Strategic Location

Architectural Heritage

A Venue's Dual Life

The Sporting Era

Transition to Worship

Renovation Investment

Building the Legacy

Original Construction

Architectural Design

Modernization Costs

Capacity & Scale

Current Capacity

Historical Capacities

Capacity Evolution

Past Occupants

Basketball Legacies

Hockey and Soccer

Arena Football

Memorable Occasions

Championship Stages

Concert History

Wrestling and More

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer