https://ualbanysports.com/story.aspx?fil...=4/21/2022
Major, long-awaited upgrades at Albany. SEFCU Arena renovation (phase 1 of 3) will begin in August. Total value is around 34 million-ish, and the first round is $12 million, all privately funded. University Gym also being renovated to provide a better home for Volleyball and practice courts for Men's and Women's basketball. This is $2.5 million of current $80 million 3 phase full gut renovation of the PE building.
Cost Differential- The original estimate for SEFCU Arena Phase 1 Renovations was for $7.5 million. However, the plan noted it would be increased due to CO's. My guess is that in addition to the cost of goods increasing (and thankfully we are not using a ton of steel, it would seem), the biggest addition is the two locker rooms. They are large spaces and there is zero doubt that the work for that is a pretty penny, so to speak. The good news is that it means less money will be required for the SEFCU core, which was to include the lockerooms. The Phase 2 SEFCU Core project was slated to cost $12.5 million and is even noted in the original planning where they say "design likely to change somewhat pending anticipated changes to the Arena and planned changes to PE Phase02. My guess is Phase 2 is now going to be dropped to about 9 million.
Arena seating is being flipped 180 degrees, to provide bowl-like seating. There will be plush, club seating in the northern corners and two clubs for concessions called the "Capital Club". This is in lieu of luxury boxes and is probably the right move. Capacity will be right near 3,800 down from the 4,200 of today, and quite frankly other than the "sound" of the number feeling small, I'd rather have 3,800 seats in this configuration, with these amenities, then we would see with 400-1,200 more seats to get to the current 4,200 capacity and the former 5,000 capacity on gamedays. The look and feel are more "big time" now. I am sure they will get over 4,000 for big games as firecode allows for over 9,000 in the buidling. The lockeroom looks fantastic and I am very glad (as I am sure Coach DK and staff are) that they moved this out of the Phase 2 Core Construction (third on the list of UA athletic needs) to the current construction; it is a massive selling point for recruits. THE TRACK IS GONE. This leads me to believe the Air structure is close to reality, plus it looks better.
5. PE Building University Gym- looks really good. Getting new scoreboards is lovely. The use of bleachers for one side only allows them to add the extra court, so it sounds like there will be 2 regulation basketball courts and a third "practice court". This is the first time that I have seen the comment that there will be a dedicated practice court for men's and women's basketball. While not its own building (I honestly don't get the separate building thing), having a dedicated section for men's and women's basketball helps the school schedule more events at SEFCU that can bring in revenue, and the teams won't be displaced. Again, this is great for recruiting.
6. Phase 2 PE Building- have not been announced but they are addressed. My guess is Phase 2 will have expanded sports medicine capabilities.
7. SEFCU naming rights - my guess is that we will hear a SEFCU announcement that coincides with the opening of the Arena after renovations. SEFCU rights expired years ago. If you look at the overhead, the new Great Dane logo appears...so it is a new concept design document. If you look near halfcourt logo, you will see TWO SEFCU logos. Excellent if true, and great to see continued community engagement with athletics.
8. Air Structure- I think it is close to reality. The track team would only have beneath the academic podium to practice right now or the armory. I know recreation and club sports are also affected by not having the bubble. So I am presuming this is a go, and we can get State funding since only $2.5 was used for the PE gym. If we get all of this (SEFCU, University Gym, and an Air Structure)...it would be a boon and also a sign we are ready to play a level up (e.g. CAA if that ever is finalized).