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Regents Approve Carver-Hawkeye Arena Project :: $47 million revitalization to be fully-funded by athletics revenues

The Board of Regents, State of Iowa approved today the schematic design, project description, budget and financing plan for a $47 million addition and revitalization of the University of Iowa's award-winning Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

The Carver-Hawkeye Arena - Addition and Renovation Project will include the construction of a practice facility immediately north of the Arena for use by the UI's men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball programs; renovation of the practice, fitness and weight-training facilities utilized by the UI's wrestling program; renovation and expansion of other fitness and weight-training space in the Arena utilized by the majority of Iowa's 24 sports teams; the renovation and expansion of locker rooms in the facility; and the renovation of existing and the creation of new office, meeting, and storage space for use by administrative and coaching staff of the UI Athletics Department.

The addition of the practice facility will eliminate the need to have student-athletes in the sports of men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball practice and train at unusual or irregular times of day or at times which are typically reserved for classes. The flexibility created by the practice space will also positively impact the potential for use of the Arena for other University and community-related events such as concerts.

The revitalization of the Arena will also extend into spaces used by the general public on game days and nights including renovation of select concessions and restroom facilities, and the creation of hospitality and meeting spaces combined with club facilities for fans of the Hawkeyes who choose to participate in a variety of premium seating options similar to that which are available in the Paul W. Brechler Press Box at historic Kinnick Stadium.

Finally, the project will also upgrade the fire alarm, elevator and mechanical systems of the award-winning 25-year-old facility.