First phase of renovations approved for Robins Center in Richmond
The University of Richmond’s (UR) board of trustees has formally approved the first phase of the master plan for renovations to the Robins Center, the hub of the Spider athletic department and home court for the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Preparation for the approximately $17 million first phase renovations began in March 2013. The initial phase is designed to create a more intimate game day atmosphere and provide enhanced amenities for basketball fans and enhance the locker rooms for the Division I sports housed in the Robins Center.
The renovations to the main arena of the Robins Center will include new lighting, painted ceiling, video boards, scoreboards, refurbished seats, new premium seating options, new hospitality areas, a refinished and newly painted court, and renovated restrooms.
Additionally, the student section will be reconfigured as one continuous seating area starting on the floor under the basket. The initial phase will also include other renovations to the Robins Center such as deferred maintenance and building systems.
It is expected that new lighting, painted ceiling, video boards, score boards, refurbished seats, new premium seating options and renovated restrooms will be completed by the start of the 2013-14 season. The completion date for the hospitality areas will be finalised in the next several weeks. Construction will not impact the 2013-14 home schedules for the men’s or women’s basketball teams.
Denver-based architectural firm Sink Combs Dethlefs worked closely with University officials on the design and specifications for the remodeled Robins Center.
After the first phase of renovations to the main arena has been completed, the seating capacity of Robins Center is expected to increase by approximately 7,000. The reduced seating will accommodate hospitality areas located in the four corners of the arena.
The hospitality areas will host pre-game functions for a variety of groups. Two elevators will be added to assist fans to the hospitality areas and into the arena bowl. Some of the current seating will be replaced with luxury seats and new premium NBA Style seating will be added closer to the court and courtside.
The second phase of the Robins Center master plan is designed for full renovation of the concourse which would include enhanced concession areas, team store as well as a new entrance and lobby on the south end of the arena.
