From July's "Ask the AD"

What has the feedback been when speaking to boosters on the new/renovated basketball arena? Are there any interested parties in a new facility?

Cole, we have had great feedback regarding future plans on Hofheinz Pavilion. In May we presented a feasibility study to our Board of Regents with three options to renovate Hofheinz ranging from $50 to $85 million in cost. Our next step is to present a fundraising and finance package at the next Board of Regents’ meeting in August. Our goal is to have total completion in time for the 2018-19 basketball season.

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To open in November 2018, construction would have to start in March of 2017 right after the season ended. We would have to play the 2017-18 season off campus.

For construction to start in March 2017, the architects and GC would have to be hired by the summer of 2016 at the latest. The design process takes time, as does procurement.

So we are probably shooting to put the project up for bid Q1 2016 at the latest, because you have to give people time to bid, select finalists, have them submit more detailed plans, interview them etc. From the date the RFQ/RFP is announced until final selection usually takes several months.

Who knows, we might put the job up for bid this fall as conference realignment talk heats up. The board would need to approve the financing plan at the August meeting.

I have no idea where we stand on fundraising, but we should find out in August at the BOR meeting.

PS Isn't it interesting that Cincy just completed an $87M football renovation and announced an $80M basketball renovation while Houston just completed a $128M new football stadium and will open a $25M basketball practice facility in October to go with this $60M Hofheinz renovation plus a $20M indoor football practice facility on the drawing board.

Both schools are spending money like it's going out of style. Hmmmm.