The Tsongas Arena is officially part of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The university’s acquisition from the city of Lowell was approved by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this week and finalized today by the university and city.

The arena is now known as the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

"This is just one example of how UMass Lowell is enhancing campus life for our students, who are increasingly choosing university housing for the optimum living and learning experience," said Chancellor Marty Meehan. "UMass Lowell is improving the facility and plans to bring top entertainment, athletic and other events here to benefit not only our students but the entire region."

The university has made changes to the Tsongas Center, including installing 400-foot, electronic "ribbons," or fascia boards to display cheers, messages and sponsor ads. Banners and signs with the new logo and photos are inside and outside. A new video scoreboard, improved sound system and exterior marquee will be installed in the months to come.

An interactive exhibit paying tribute to the late U.S. Sen. Paul E. Tsongas, for whom the building is named, will be added as progress is made on $5 million in capital improvements financed through the UMass Building Authority.

Opened in January 1998, the construction of the facility – recently assessed at $24 million- was funded by $20 million from the state and $4 million each from UMass Lowell and the city.