EVERETT — Hundreds of people are expected to visit the new Washington State University Everett building Tuesday during an open house.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

In between will be speeches, informal discussions with academic leaders and, at 3:30 p.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mainly, though, it will be a chance for the curious to see for themselves what’s inside the state-of-the-art, four-story structure they’ve watched rise up over the past two years.

“People will have the opportunity to explore to their hearts’ content what this community has created,” said Randy Bolerjack, a spokesman for WSU Everett.

The academic edifice east of Broadway cost $64.6 million to design and build as well as pay for land for parking. It is on Everett Community College property across the street from the main EvCC campus.

The building is the new home for WSU Everett, Everett University Center programs and the WSU Metropolitan Center for Applied Research and Extension.

Tuesday’s schedule reflects more than wall to wall Cougar crimson and gray.

At 2 p.m., visitors can meet Scott Gordon. He’s provost and vice president of academic affairs at Eastern Washington University.

At 2:45 p.m., there’s a similar opportunity with Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa. A year ago, he became Western’s 14th president. Western’s presence in Snohomish County dates back more than 30 years with programs offered by Woodring College of Education.

The 3:30 p.m. ribbon cutting is expected to include comments from several academic leaders, including Randhawa, WSU North Puget Sound at Everett Chancellor Paul Pitre, WSU President Kirk Schulz and Everett Community College President David Beyer as well as business and civic dignitaries.

Parking on the east side of Broadway near the WSU Building will be free.

Refreshments will be available, including Cougar Gold cheese.

Classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 21 with more than 200 WSU juniors and seniors.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.