UC Fifth Third Arena Renovation

Transforming athletic arena into an award-winning, first-class sports and events venue

Client

University of Cincinnati

Value

$82M

Role

Construction Manager

Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Partners

Skanska
Populus
Moody Nolan

Awards & Honors

LEED Silver Certification
2020 Athletic Business Facilities of Merit Award

This 220,000 SF extensive renovation transformed the University of Cincinnati’s basketball arena into a state-of-the-art NCAA Division 1 collegiate basketball and special events venue. Built in 1989, the project scope included the transformation of the seating layout from its current configuration to a modern 360° seating bowl for approximately 12,000 spectators, with all of the amenities of a first-class sports arena including a videoboard and hi-tech sound. The renovation provided a new main entrance with ticketing and guest services areas and created new locker rooms, restaurants, bars, enclosed suites, VIP areas, restrooms and an upper-level concourse with amenities. Façade updates, two new premium seating clubs, a full service kitchen and storage area were also among the renovations. The project achieved LEED Silver certification.

Megen, in conjunction with their JV partner, served as construction manager, providing preconstruction and construction services. As the facility was on an occupied, urban campus, our team developed a detailed logistics plan to ensure construction progressed, while working safely around 45,000 students and 11,000 faculty/staff members. Over the course of the project, our team took on managing $8M of additional scope without extending the schedule. In fact, we turned over the arena one week early, so the owner could have ample time to mobilize and transition before their first exhibition game. The new multipurpose arena is home to the University’s basketball and volleyball teams, as well for convocations and special events, and was named a 2020 Athletic Facility of Merit.

220,000

Square Feet

12,000

Seating Capacity

Project completed one week early, in time for first exhibition game

“I’ve been a part of many projects in my career and the synergy that was generated between the CM staff, A/E team, and the University was the best that I have experienced. Your staff was extremely accommodating and I always felt that they had the University’s best interests in mind throughout the entire process.”

BARRETT BAMBERGER, PE
PROJECT MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI