THE ARENA in Kirby Sports Center is set for a $1.7 million renovation to be completed by fall 2013. The project includes new seating, video scoreboard, and an LED scorer’s table.
The F.M. Kirby Foundation, responsible for the building’s initial construction in 1972 and for a $35 million transformation in 2000, is funding the renovation. Construction will begin March 25.
“We’re excited to get this project under way and are thankful for the continuous generosity of the F.M. Kirby Foundation,” says Bruce McCutcheon, director of athletics. “In order to compete for and with the best student-athletes, we need to continue to upgrade and maintain our facilities, and this is part of that ongoing process.”
The sections along each sideline will have chair-back seats, totaling 1,462. In addition, new bleacher seating will be added in each end zone, closing in the court that previously was open at the end farthest from the entrance. Capacity will be 2,650 including 1,188 bleacher seats.
The project will be overseen by Clough, Harbor and Associates.