University of Florida’s $64.5 Million O’Connell Center Renovation Project Officially ‘A Go’

By  //  September 9, 2015

SCOC-seating-bowl580
The Stephen C. O’Connell Center renovation project is officially a go as the University of Florida has inked construction authorization paperwork with contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms. (GatorZone Image)

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA (GatorZone.com) – The Stephen C. O’Connell Center renovation project is officially a go as the University of Florida has inked construction authorization paperwork with contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms.

The renovation of this iconic building is a unique partnership between UF and the University Athletic Association to help fund and manage the $64.5-million project.

The new seating bowl will include chairback seating throughout the entire arena.

O'Connell Center Exterior - Ground View
The exterior view of the new grand entrance, which combines the current Gates 1 and 2, from across Gale Lemerand Drive. (GatorZone Image)

The design process began in July 2014, and this major milestone is the culmination of the hard work of many constituencies on campus. With the planning stages of the project complete, the building process is set to begin, as Tuesday marks pre-bid meetings with subcontractors and small businesses interested in working on the project along with Brasfield & Gorrie, Davis Architects and TLC Engineering.

Visual manifestations of work such as construction fences will begin to appear as early as October, though the O’Connell Center will remain fully operational until the massive overhaul begins in Spring 2016.

The strategic design and the amenity improvements involved in this project will provide students, fans, alumni and patrons with a dramatically new experience. The scope of the renovation includes a seating bowl update, the addition of premium seating areas, installation of a state-of-the-art center-hung scoreboard, upgrades to team spaces and an enhanced concourse to improve the fan experience.

O'Connell Center Grand Entrance
Interior view of the new grand entrance. (GatorZone Image)

O’Connell Center Renovation FAQs
Q: When will the project begin?
A: The design process is complete, and portions of construction are scheduled to begin in Fall 2015. However, the O’Connell Center will remain fully operational until the massive renovation phase begins in Spring 2016.

Q: When will construction be complete?
A: The renovation is scheduled to be completed in time for UF’s Fall semester commencement in December 2016.

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