News
Date: September 10th 2007 Project: University of Central Florida Arena
At University of Central Florida, Beds Helping Fund Athletic Facilities
Orlando, FL – Athletic directors looking to build new sports facilities often face an all too familiar question: How are we going to pay for this?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has seen tremendous campus growth in the past two decades. The University became an NCAA Division I school in 1984, and at the time the campus population was less than 16,000 students. Today, that population has nearly tripled to 45,000.
This growth has pushed UCF to one of the 10 largest universities in the country, and with that growth comes the expectation for top tier athletic programs. In an attempt to meet these expectations, the University identified two crucial obstacles. First, the existing 5,000-seat gymnasium essentially was obsolete, and second, high-quality, on-campus student housing was inadequate. University and Athletic Department leaders realized they might be able to solve two pressing needs simultaneously.
Using a format similar to that of a public/private joint venture, KUD International, LLC and the University agreed upon the project scope and financial structure that would best benefit the University. The resulting project includes a new 10,000-seat convocation center, four 500 bed residence halls, structured parking and 100,000 square feet of retail space on the Orlando campus. Money generated from the retail and residence hall portions of the project helped fund the arena, an indoor football practice facility and a softball stadium. This unique funding approach to the project allowed the University to combine the strengths of a private developer with those of a respected educational institution. The result is the first developer-driven, mixed-use athletic project on a collegiate campus anywhere in the United States.
“It’s truly encouraging to see that the public and private sectors can work together to create fiscally responsible solutions that benefit the educational process” said Dennis Biggs, EVP of KUD International.
The $52 million convocation center, designed by HOK Sport, opened with a concert by Grammy award winning country singer Reba McEntire on September 8. The arena includes 16 stacked luxury suites with seating for 192 patrons; two party suites with seating for 32 patrons; loge box seating for 90 patrons; a club lounge; branded concessions; and attached restaurants and retail. The arena also includes dining area for students of nearby residence halls as well as student-athletes.
In addition to the new convocation center, the existing arena has become a basketball and volleyball practice facility. Enhancements include two practice gyms, locker rooms, weight rooms and training facilities. The renovated 3,000-seat arena still can accommodate smaller concerts and events.
As the cornerstone of the HOK Sport-designed athletic facility master plan, the arena serves as the arrival point to the athletic facility area of campus. The arena’s glass, stucco and metal panel design provides a modern, inviting entry.
“UCF’s growing size and current facility is pushing their ability compete as a top university,” said Jim Swords, HOK Sport principal. “Because of this unique funding method, we are able to provide the University with a top tier facility that will allow them to attract talented athletes.”
For further information please contact
Gina Leo at HOK Sport (Kansas City)
Telephone: +1 816 221 1500
Facsimile: +1 816 221 1578
Email media@hoksve.com