The University of Houston is moving ahead with its plan to revamp campus athletic facilities, including a $40-million renovation of Hofheinz Pavilion.
The plan calls for the addition of two practice floors at the facility, along with the installation of new seating and lots of high-tech signage. Fans will notice the cosmetic changes in the arena, but the majority of changes will take place behind the scenes, as the college will add meeting rooms, offices for several programs, and more.
The $40 million renovation is far less than a new arena would cost, estimated to be $70 million. AECOM has done the preliminary cost estimates and planning.
The project is part of a larger effort to upgrade the university’s athletic facilities. Fundraising should commence shortly.
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One sad side note to the project: the school wants to sell naming rights to the 8,593-seat arena. It’s named for Judge Roy Hofheinz, the man who brought professional sports to Houston and was key in the construction of the Astrodome. He’s an important man in Houston history, and his name will be gone from the city’s biggest tribute.
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