The University of Central Florida became an NCAA Division I school in 1984, and has since grown from 16,000 students to 45,000. With that growth comes the expectation of top-tier athletic programs and facilities. UCF Arena serves as the cornerstone of the athletic campus, establishing the architectural character for future UCF sports facilities. Its design incorporates glass, stucco and metal panels to mediate between the resort aesthetic of neighboring residential and retail buildings and the progressive, modern design of campus academic buildings.
Adjoining the convocation center, the existing arena was transformed into a basketball and volleyball practice facility. Enhancements include two practice gyms, locker rooms, weight rooms and training facilities. The renovated 3,000-seat arena still accommodates smaller concerts and events.
The main arena includes 16 stacked luxury suites with seating for 192 patrons, two party suites with seating for 32 patrons, loge box seating for 90 patrons, a club lounge, branded concessions, and attached restaurants and retail space. The arena also includes a dining area for student-athletes, as well as for students of nearby residence halls.
The project includes not only the new 10,000-seat convocation center, but four 500-bed residence halls, a parking structure and 100,000 square feet of retail space. Money generated from the retail and residence hall portions of the project helped fund the arena, an indoor football practice facility and a softball stadium.
Chatham Community Center Renovation and Expansion
