The day after the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team powered into the Sweet 16 with a 98-45 victory over Syracuse, the university announced that a significant renovation project is underway at Gampel Pavilion.
Phase 1 of a $99.4 million, multi-phase renovation project started Tuesday and will include a new roof, new team and coaches’ locker rooms, new coaches’ lounges, new conference rooms, and more.
“Gampel Pavilion is one of the most electric atmospheres in all of college basketball, and our student-athletes and fans deserve a facility that matches the standard we hold ourselves to every day,” said David Benedict, UConn’s director of athletics, in a press release.
The project also features a new recruiting lounge and sports medicine space, upgrades to the basketball officials’ locker room, and a new post-game press and athletics meeting space.
In an effort to reduce congestion around the concession stands and restrooms, UConn officials also said there will be new grab-and-go food stands.
The project is being funded by non-tax revenue raised through the state’s “UConn 2000” bonds, which were authorized by the General Assembly.
Phase 2 of the project will begin next March and will add other spaces for athletes and coaches. University officials did not say when that phase of the project was expected to be completed.
DPR Construction is leading the project’s construction, with S/L/A/M Collaborative leading the design.
