Bensalem school's gym to open this week

The tipoff for Bensalem's $15 million field house is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, three years after bids were sought for the gym at Bensalem High School.

Four high school basketball games are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with the official dedication and ribbon-cutting for the Bensalem Community Physical Education Facility set for noon Saturday. Three alumni basketball games will follow the ceremonies.

The gym has three hardwood basketball courts, including one with seating for 1,700 spectators. It also has a synthetic track with an elevator for handicapped access, locker rooms, a trainer's room, an officials' room, and bathrooms. It will be used for school and community events. The township contributed $4 million, including a $2 million state grant, to help pay for the facility at 4319 Hulmeville Rd. The school district paid $11 million from a bond issue in 2007. - Bill Reed