The University’s Board of Regents approved the schematic design for a second phase of renovations to Crisler Arena at their monthly meeting on Thursday.
The $52 million project — highlighted by expanded and renovated concourses that will make for a more fan-friendly atmosphere in the arena — will be funded by athletic resources and gifts. All seats in the building will also be replaced.
“New construction of approximately 63,000 gross square feet will create new spectator entrances, retail spaces, ticketing areas and a private club space,” Athletic Director Dave Brandon and Timothy Slottow, the University’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, wrote in a communication to the regents.
Headlining the renovations is TMP Architecture, a firm that, assisted by Sink Combs Dethlefs, will immediately begin design work at Crisler. The two corporations designed the new $23.2 million Basketball Player Development Center, which is scheduled to be completed later this year.
The renovations and expansion began in October 2010, when the regents approved the $20 million first phase at Crisler. According to an Athletic Department press release, the first phase “addresses the highest priority infrastructure needs such as repair of the roof, electrical, plumbing and air handling systems.”
Crisler Arena was first built in 1968.