The Covelli Center at The Ohio State University maximizes efficiency and achieves the strategic goals of the university by consolidating multiple varsity sports into one venue. Seven varsity programs, including volleyball, gymnastics, fencing and wrestling, will use the midsize hybrid arena as both a day-to-day home and a competition facility. In addition, it will serve as the occasional venue for women’s basketball as well as the host site for local tournaments, competitions, concerts, banquets, camps and academic graduations.
The facility benefits each individual sport by providing more robust support spaces, such as training, film, equipment and laundry rooms. The Covelli Center can be thought of as two buildings — one housing the arena and the other a state-of-the-art wrestling and training facility — that can be operated independently. The arena can accommodate multiple flooring layouts including wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, fencing, basketball, boxing and concert events by way of retractable seating on all four sides and flexible storage solutions.
It was a stated priority to enhance the experience of the student-athlete through quality interior environments and special amenities. The Covelli Center pairs access to abundant natural daylight with specialized sports lighting that virtually eliminates glare, enhances special lighting effects, and reduces energy consumption. Environmental graphic design creates a dynamic and energetic atmosphere by embracing scarlet and gray and what it means to be a Buckeye.
Covelli Center, The Ohio State University
