The arena is now larger in footprint but smaller in capacity, trimming from 8,117 seats to 7,039CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Northwestern will unveil its $110M renovation to Welsh-Ryan Arena during Friday night's "sold out" men's basketball exhibition game against McKendree Univ., according to Teddy Greenstein of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The arena is "larger in footprint but smaller in capacity, trimming from 8,117 seats to 7,039." There is now an "indoor vestibule for those purchasing or picking up tickets," while private entrances exist for both the 700 fans "heading to the private Wilson Club" and the media. The new arena has windows with "views of Ryan Field and the old football practice field," meaning natural light "pours in from the east." The lobby has video screens that will "show highlight packages" and the new Northwestern Athletic HOF is "all digital with touch screens." Every non-student seat has a "chairback, and many have cup holders." Points of sale have "increased from eight to 32." The Levy concessions will "feature NU-themed specialties." The number of toilet fixtures has "ballooned from 53 to 144." Greenstein notes the old arena "contained six TV screens," but the new one has "101 sprinkled throughout, including in a reception area that can be used for private functions" (CHICAGOTRIBUNE.com, 11/2).
TIME FOR AN UPGRADE: In Mississippi, Logan Lowery noted Mississippi State's Humphrey Coliseum is set to undergo a renovation that will include a "premium club level that has its own entrance and lobby that leads into a 6,000-square-foot sideline club featuring 580 club seats and 80 loge seats." There also will be the addition of "nearly 160 terrace seats along the concourse level." Plans also include "renovations to widen the concourse of Humphrey Coliseum and offer sightlines down onto the court." Expanded restrooms and concessions will be included, as well as "fast casual dining options and a walk-in team store." Two grand lobbies on the "east and west sides are also part of the plan along with office renovations." There is currently "no timeline to begin construction nor has a final price for the project been determined." Once started, the renovation is "expected to take two years to complete." The overall capacity of the 10,500-seat building, which was built in '75, is "not expected to change." (Northeast Mississippi DAILY JOURNAL, 10/31).
