University and community leaders gathered Monday night to dedicate the new College Park District, hailing the urbane new development as transformative for the University of Texas at Arlington and revitalization of downtown Arlington.

"College Park District will forever change UTA and the region," university President James D. Spaniolo said, adding that the project involved an investment of roughly $300 million from numerous public and private sources.

"Old notions and perceptions of UTA are fading," Spaniolo said. "This is the new UT Arlington."

On a rooftop overlooking College Park District, attendees took a virtual, student-led tour of the 22-acre development, which includes the state-of-the-art Dan Dipert Welcome Center, new student housing, loft apartments, restaurants, retail and more than four acres of green space for people to gather and relax.

The centerpiece of the development is College Park Center, a 7,000-seat athletics and concerts venue that is home to UTA basketball and volleyball.

Monday's dedication was the culmination of several years of planning and construction, and university leaders have long called College Park District a critical piece to the university's goal of becoming a top research institution.

Spaniolo thanked the city of Arlington, neighboring First Baptist Church and numerous companies and philanthropists, who helped fuel the development.

"We could not have done this alone," he said.

After the dedication, supporters gathered under a tent to listen to live music and dine on buffalo sliders and crispy asparagus. Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers, on hand for the Maverick Speakers Series, stopped by to shake hands and say hello.

UTA students said College Park District has provided an invaluable benefit.

"This has given us that ideal college experience," said Allie Woldtvedt, a senior in broadcast journalism. "There is so much school spirit and Maverick pride. We're so happy to be here."

Max Klinker, a senior in business finance who works as a campus tour guide, said he has enjoyed seeing the faces of prospective students light up when they visit College Park District.

"People get excited as soon as they step foot here," he said. "This helps us show how much UTA and Arlington has grown."

By Sarah Bahari