"We were probably going to buy some tickets but they were sold out," said MSU student Michelle Kelsay.

The last 40 standing room only tickets disappeared in minutes.

"It's just going to be amazing to see 11,000 people in this arena," MSU Sugar Bear Lauren Shepard said before the game.

There was one final dusting for the maroon seats, and then ticket takers took their places. Arena staff and even Sugar Bears were a little nervous.

"I've been very nervous all week," said Shepard.

And then the waiting was over. The gates opened to fans at 5 on Saturday.

"I think the new arena is going to make everyone more excited, so it's going to be a fun season," said ticket taker and MSU student Sydney Scheiter.

As the seats filled up, Bears fans of all ages were ready to cheer on their team. Kids screamed, "Lets go Bears!"

"I felt old, because I looked at all those names on the Hall of Fame, and I knew an awful lot of those people," said Jim Turner, who graduated from what was then known as Southwest Missouri State College in 1961.

Whether they graduated in the '60s or 2007, former students were impressed.

"It's awesome! We love it, we love it!" said Melissa Belk, who brought her daughter, Emma, to the game.

"I wouldn't expect anything like this at Missouri State," says Rob Schweller.

Some folks enjoyed the game in the Prime Overtime Club, with a bite to eat, and perhaps a drink, and they enjoyed a prime view of the game.

As the excitement in a new basketball season, and a brand new arena began, the feeling of 'wow' seemed to be unanimous.

"Oh, it's awesome!" said Brian Bass.

Bears fans got their wish -- a victory against the University of Arkansas, 62 - 57. The next game played in the new JQH Arena will be by the Lady Bears on Sunday at 2.