The general public is invited to attend the Sept. 21 Grand Opening of the Equine Hospital, Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center, and Farm Animal Hospital at the University of Tennessee (UT) Veterinary Medical Center. The free event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UT Veterinary Medical Center, at 2407 River Drive, in Knoxville. A ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30 a.m.

In spring 2011 the college broke ground on the $20.9 million project, which encompasses more than 85,000 square feet of new construction and renovations.

The Equine Hospital and the 32,000-square-foot Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center (EPRC) were finished in February. In addition to an isolation ward, intensive care unit including dedicated neonatal (or foal) ICU stalls, and four surgical theaters, the renovation includes an advanced diagnostic imaging center offering spiral CT, nuclear medicine, and MRI. The EPRC houses an arena, in-ground underwater treadmill, free walker, cold saltwater hydrotherapy unit, solarium, and podiatry center. The Farm Animal Hospital includes species-specific space and equipment for bovine, small ruminant, swine, and camelid animals.

Attendees are invited to enjoy self-guided tours throughout the day