Indiana University Athletics
Construction Update at Future Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall: Phase I
5/21/2015 1:48:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Nearly two months into construction at the future Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, demolition is progressing in the facility's first major phase of renovation. Initial work was done to safely disconnect utilities and plumbing in the south side of the facility. Current demolition is focused on the removal of the south lobby entrance and the digging of a trench to eventually relocate underground utilities, water and sanitary systems. To see the construction in action, view video below or Assembly Hall Phase I Construction photos.
As part of preserving college basketball's greatest home court advantage, Assembly Hall's renovations will: improve the fan experience through renovating every restroom and adding new ones, improving the concession stands, refurbishing all non-bleacher seats, installing a new large video board with improved visibility in the balconies and throughout the seating bowl, replacing metal railings with acrylic panels to improve safety and sightlines, and adding premium seating and hospitality to generate revenues to reinvest in the building's maintenance; improve fan accessibility through new escalators in the north and south lobbies and improved access for people with disabilities; enhance the look through a dramatic new "front door" and entry plaza and new branding and flooring throughout the building; and rebuild the infrastructure of the building through improvements to its emergency alarms, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
Demolition, construction and renovations on Assembly Hall will continue through Fall, 2016.
The renovation of Assembly Hall was announced in December 2013 when IU Athletics received a $40 million gift -- the largest in its history -- from alumna Cindy Simon Skjodt. In honor of the landmark gift made by Simon Skjodt and her philanthropic organization, the Samerian Foundation, IU will rename Assembly Hall the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at the completion of the construction and renovations. The Simon Skjodt gift also launched IU Athletics capital campaign, which is part of Indiana University's Bicentennial Campaign. Read more about the Simon Skjodt gift.
To learn more about the IU Athletics campaign or gift and naming opportunities, please contact the IU Varsity Club at 812-855-0866 or varsity@indiana.edu.
