The $72.5M renovation project of UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center has "started to take shape," and the new features give the arena "all the bells and whistles of a modern facility," according to Ray Brewer of the LAS VEGAS SUN. The upgrades include "three new escalators, updated concession stands and a 36,000-square-foot addition that includes a 2,500-square-foot observation deck overlooking the Las Vegas Strip." The facelift "will also get the Mack up to code and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act." The 18-month project "addresses state and federal codes that have changed over the years, increasing handicap seating from 26 to 98, and widening parts of the concourse." Additionally, there is $20M in "electrical, air conditioning and plumbing improvements." Fans of UNLV basketball, the arena’s primary tenant, "saw some changes last week when they arrived for the scarlet and gray scrimmage." The highlights were "new flooring on the concourse, all new seating in the arena, a new sound system and bathroom enhancements." Because of the "addition of more ADA seating platforms, the arena capacity is down about 500 seats to 18,000." The "first phase of the project, which includes roof replacement," is 90% complete. Workers are putting the "final touches" on signs and wall murals, and the outside deck "will be finished next September" (LAS VEGAS SUN, 10/20).
