$28.5 million in Sun Dome improvements on the way

[atl86bull]

PROJECT NUMBER: 537

PROJECT AND LOCATION: USF Sun Dome Arena and Convocation Center – Renovation Project, University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, Tampa, Florida.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The USF Sun Dome Arena and Convocation Center – Renovation Project (“Sun Dome Projectâ€) includes modifications to the existing 250,000 gsf facility aimed at improving the overall building functionality. The modifications would extend the useful life of the Sun Dome for an additional 20 to 30 years and would include reconfiguration of the 10,000 seat bowl, adding a center hung scoreboard, adding concessions & restrooms at the Concourse Level, adding an east expansion building, modifying the southeast & southwest entries, and restoration of existing exterior concrete.

Building systems that require a major upgrade and replacement include the existing mechanical infrastructure, the existing electrical systems and retractable seating systems. The modified electrical system must accommodate the increasing electrical needs for NCAA Division I sound, broadcasting and lighting standards.

Building components that require improvements include correction of water penetration at the lower roof membranes, upgrade of entries to be appealing to Sun Dome patrons attending events, upgrades to entries to be code compliant, and repair of sections of concrete to protect steel reinforcements from the elements.

The renovation would provide a solution to the current state of the Sun Dome. Two new entries and club lounge as well as other exterior improvements will enhance the exterior appearance of the facility. Through permanent and interactive signage, the exterior of the new entries would allow for facility and event identification. The interior of the new entries would provide an opportunity for an impactful first impression.

Enhancing the patron experience and providing increased participation in events will be achieved by providing a fixed seating bowl from the main concourse that allows for the best sightlines with an intimate atmosphere and resolves accessibility and seating issues. A fixed bowl would also provide an interior concourse, concessions, restrooms, club rooms, and lounge boxes all increasing revenues. These improvements would allow the Sun Dome to secure more events which would benefit the campus life of the students and student athletes. The upgrades will allow the Sun Dome to be at par and competitive with other NCAA Division I and Big East collegiate basketball arenas. The project time frame requires initial demolition in March 2011, and construction of the improvements to be completed for occupancy by the end of November 2011. The construction budget is estimated to be approximately $28,500,000. Project development, including professional services, is contingent upon availability of funds. If additional funding is realized, the University has the option to incorporate additional scope/funding under this contract. The construction delivery method is anticipated to be Construction Management.

[79 Bull]

Great news!  Those 30 year old seats really need to be replaced.  A center hung scoreboard will be sweet.

[Oldsmobull]

"Project development, including professional services, is contingent upon availability of funds."

Does USF have funding in place?  Maybe USF could rename it the "Sundome Courthouse/Hurricane Evacuation Center" and get the Florida Legislature to fund the renovation work at the Sundome?

[dabull80]

I wonder were they would play until it is done.  You know these projects never get done on time.

[BullMedic]

WOw, this is much needed and sounds fantastic.

Do You have the official link to this?

[Held_AccountaBull]

This sounds great. I am particularly looking forward to the reconfiguration of the seating and the center hung scoreboard.

[atl86bull]

Here is the link:  http://usfweb2.usf.edu/facilitiesplan/Projects/FAW_537_AE.pdf

Since it has a project number and it's on the USF procurement page they must feel confident that the funding will be there.

[Markeymark]

Is this the same project as the new expansion into what is now the parking lot? There were some big donations to fund that.

[ctbrown24]

Great to hear...

Curious as to where graduation will be held for Spring and Summer ceremonies.

[Dogma]

Is this the same project as the new expansion into what is now the parking lot? There were some big donations to fund that.

No.

That's the Muma Basketball training center.

It's a different project.

It is actually being built 30 feet away from the Sun Dome to accommodate this type of upgrade (upgrading the exterior as well.)