University of Virginia -
John Paul Jones Arena
Charlottesville, VA
Year in Showcase: 2007
Project Description
The new home of Cavaliers basketball,
the University of Virginia’s
15,219-seat John Paul Jones
Arena features a horseshoe shape that
allows distinct seating configurations
for both athletic contests and cultural
events. What particularly impressed the
panel was the way the design joined a
modern arena with the traditional
exterior necessary to fit within its historic
surroundings. Jeffersonian design elements
are expressed in a modern aesthetic of
brick and glass, with iconic columns
forming pergolas on the east and west
facades. The east pergola penetrates the
outer shell and is revealed on the interior,
creating a distinct backdrop for both
performing arts and athletics.
At the entrance, the building’s volume
is depressed below grade, reducing its
scale to fit the pedestrian context in
which the arena is set. Natural light
adds unexpected warmth and depth
along the outer concourses and in the
main lobby. The arena’s configuration
intentionally draws the upper seating
bowl closer to the court, creating a more
intimidating atmosphere for visiting
teams and positioning private suites
much closer to the floor.
Judges' Comments
The arena offers visual connection to
the entry concourse and a remarkably
intimate seating arrangement for a
multiuse facility of this size.
— James Meyer
The design team cleverly solved the
age-old problem of joining a modern
arena facility with a traditional exterior
design. Also, the interior spaces are
simple and consistent with the facility’s
exterior architecture.
— Erik Kocher
The public spaces and arena have a
very high level of finish that goes beyond
the utilitarian, and the front entry is an
appropriate response to Jefferson’s
campus.
— Tom Scarlata
Project Details
Associate Architect: Ellerbe Becket Inc. - Kansas City, Mo.
Architect of Record: VMDO Architects P.C.; Charlottesville, Va.
Funded By: Private funds
Major Facility Components: Arena,
practice courts, coaches’ offices, weight
training areas, rehabilitation and
hydrotherapy rooms, academic center,
dining hall, locker rooms, players’ lounge
Construction Cost: $80 million
Square Feet: 15,219
Occupancy: July 2006
Vendors
Arena Seating:
Irwin Seating Co.
Basketball Backboards/Supports:
Spalding
Bleachers/Grandstands:
Irwin Telescopic Seating Co.
Divider Curtains:
Athletic & Performance Rigging
Dryers:
UniMac
Elliptical Equipment:
Nautilus Inc.
Flooring:
Dal-Tile Corp.
Folding Chairs:
Irwin Telescopic Seating Co.
Free Weight Equipment:
Nautilus Inc.
Hydrotherapy Tank:
HydroWorx International Inc.
Lighting:
Musco Lighting
Lockers:
Lyon Workspace Products
Scoreboards/Timing Systems:
Mitsubishi Electronic/Diamond Vision
Stair Climbers:
Nautilus Inc.
Stationary Bikes:
Nautilus Inc.
Strength Equipment:
Nautilus Inc.
Surfaces, Basketball:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Treadmills:
Nautilus Inc.
Wall Padding:
Spalding
Washers:
UniMac
