The 30-year-old Pavilion serves as the on-campus home for the Villanova Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball teams. The design team worked closely with administrators, coaches, staff and alumni to create a project that reimagines the arena into a world-class, basketball-centric facility that is all about fan experience.
Upgrades to the two-story, 6,500-seat structure include a relocated main entrance, a new concourse, and increased premium seating and amenities. The experience begins with an improved building approach that features an outdoor plaza for pre- and postgame activities, improved landscaping, site lighting and site furniture. Once inside, fans are greeted by a new lobby and hall of fame, with graphics and memorabilia celebrating the values and history of Villanova and its athletics program. Beyond the lobby, a balcony “ring” overlooks the open court, while above a new 360-degree concourse is activated with merchandise and concessions.
The unique hyperbolic roof form was seen by designers as something to be celebrated. More than 400 linear LED light fixtures within the exposed roof structure accentuate the volume. Four corner video boards, a center-hung LED scoreboard and fascia ribbon boards were combined with a new state-of-the-art sound system, elevating the fan’s experience from that of a glorified high school gymnasium into a major Division I arena.
Bostwick Community Centre, YMCA & London Public Library
