A new $78-million arena on the University of Texas-Arlington campus will seat 6,500 and should open in early 2012.The final design for UT Arlington's new, $78 million special events center emphasizes energy efficiency, natural light and materials and flexible seating in a new venue for convocations, concerts and athletics that will define the University's eastern edge.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents unanimously approved the design today during the board's regular meeting in Austin. Groundbreaking is scheduled in spring 2010, and the center is expected to open in early 2012.
With seating for up to 6,500, the center will serve as home court for UT Arlington Mavericks basketball and volleyball teams, commencement and other community events. Designed by HKS Inc., the center mixes brick and stone exteriors with windows that stretch nearly the full height of the 50-foot building and bathe its concourses in natural light. The building's clean lines complement the University's modern feel.