In 1991, the Utah State Legislature passed a law allowing county governments to implement a 1% restaurant tax in order to support tourism and recreational facilities.[2] In April that year, Utah County voters approved a 20-year bond and 1% restaurant sales tax to raise $7.7 million for a multipurpose events center. The measure passed by more than a 2–1 margin with an 8.7% voter turnout.[3]
In December 1993, Utah Valley State College (now UVU) held a ground breaking ceremony for the Center. Officials in attendance included college president Kerry D. Romesburg and Utah County Commissioner Gary Herbert.[4]
Construction began in January 1994 and finished in January 1996 for a total of US$27,700,000.[5][6] The Center opened with 8,500 seats and 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2) of floor space.[5] On January 27, 1996, former First Lady Barbara Bush was the keynote speaker at the Center's debut event, a conference titled "In Honor of Women".[7][8]
In April 1996, the Center was dedicated and officially named in honor of David O. McKay.[6]
On January 19, 2010, UVU announced its plans to sell the naming rights to the arena at the request of the donor family, to help the university raise money.[9] At the same time, the university named its education building after David O. McKay. On August 30, 2010, Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) announced it acquired the naming rights to the arena.[10]
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