By Anne Ryman for The Arizona Republic
Arizona State University unveiled preliminary plans last week for a $160M renovation of Wells Fargo Arena with an adjacent indoor sports complex to house men’s hockey, wrestling and gymnastics.
The plans were reviewed by the Arizona Board of Regents Business and Finance Committee, and members voted unanimously to send the plans to the full board for approval in February.
About half of the $160M would go toward renovating Wells Fargo Arena and the other half on the new hockey venue, which will be right next door on what is now parking spaces.
ASU officials say the arena has had only modest improvements since opening 43 years ago. The major renovation will include reconstructing the entire lower bowl to maximize center-court seating and replace retractable seating.
Construction likely won’t start for another year.
New Club, Premium Seats
The arena’s new concourse will have a wider pathway. Restrooms and concessions will be upgraded. Between 250 to 300 club seats will be added along with 48 loge seats.
The total number of seats when completed is not yet available.
New, Indoor Complex for Hockey
The Sun Devils would move into a new, indoor sports complex that will be connected to Wells Fargo on the east side and what is now a parking lot. The 5,000-seat venue also will be home to gymnastics and wrestling.
Plans include space for a second ice rink, which would be available to the community for youth and adult hockey.
When Will Construction Start?
ASU expects to start designing the arena renovations and the indoor sports complex in May with construction beginning about a year from now, in February 2019.
Preliminary plans call for the indoor sports complex to be largely finished by July 2020 with renovation of Wells Fargo mostly complete by July 2021.
Read more at The Arizona Republic.
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