Michigan State Opens New Shooting Sports Facility
10/02/09
Contact: Brenda Clark
MSU Land Management Office
517- 355-3272
or
Francie Todd
517-432-1555, ext. 168
EAST LANSING, Mich. --- Target shooters and archers have a new location to learn, hone their skills and brush up on hunting safety, with the October 5 opening of Michigan State University’s (MSU’s) John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center.
The $3.5 million, 24,000-square-foot facility will allow the public to learn shooting safety and improve shooting and archery skills, in addition to housing MSU club shooting sports – small bore, air rifle and archery. Other potential uses include academic programs in shooting sports, law enforcement and related curricula and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competitive shooting events.
The center will add capacity to university programs requiring firearm safety and education certifications, including Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) training and recruitment, and the conservation officer specialization and environmental crime certificate programs offered through MSU. It also will accommodate Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer and MSU Police officer certification training, as well as state programming and certification in firearm safety for all age groups.
Ground was broken for the center July 18, 2008. It is named in honor of MSU alumnus John Demmer, founder and chairman of the Lansing-based Demmer Corp., and his late wife, Marnie, also a graduate of MSU. The Demmers have been long-time supporters of MSU and have provided principal support for the building.
The Demmer Center will be one of the largest indoor shooting facilities in the Midwest, offering two indoor ranges and three outdoor archery ranges. The two indoor ranges accommodate small bore (.22 cal. rifle and pistol), air rifle and archery. The outdoor Becky and Bob Humphries Community Archery Park include beginner, field and competitive ranges.
Archery, .22 firearm and air rifle equipment rental is available. Visit the facility’s Web site at http://demmercenter.msu.edu/ for range fees and other information.
The John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center, 3365 E. Jolly Road, is located south of the MSU campus, midway between College and Hagadorn roads.
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