After years of planning and the city floating replacement plans, Baltimore Arena renovations are finally underway, in a project overseen by Oak View Group (OVG), Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) and Thirty Five Ventures.
The renovations are designed to turn the dated facility into a modern arena and drive further investment and development in the area. As part of the planned renovations, OVG and Thirty Five Ventures will fully fund the cost of the arena’s total reconstruction, which is estimated to cost at least $150 million. OVG’s portfolio includes Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle), UBS Arena (New York), Moody Center (Austin), Co-Op Live in Manchester, England, and a proposed $3 billion arena/development in Las Vegas. Thirty Five Ventures, an investment firm, was founded by NBA star Kevin Durant and agent Rich Kleiman.
Renovations to the arena include adding seats and suites, refurbishing concourses, upgrading concessions areas, and changing the building’s appearance. Additional upgrades to the facility will include focuses on sustainability such as using locally sourced materials, LED lighting, low flow and waterless fixtures, and more; world-class acoustics to amplify the audio experience; touchless and self-serve technologies for food & beverage and merchandise purchases to minimize transaction times; renovations to the venue’s back of house; structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting and fire protection upgrades; as well as construction encompassing, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, lighting; and updates to the Arena’s telecommunications infrastructure, wireless network, and video/network/security systems.
“As a Maryland native and now as an athlete and sports executive, the Baltimore Arena is an incredible project to be involved in,” Durant said via press release. “We’re looking forward to this space becoming a premier, state-of-the-art venue that supports local business and the larger community.”
“We remain committed to working with strong minority and women-owned businesses to transform Baltimore’s iconic arena into one of the most premier world-class venues in the country,” said Steve Collins, president, global venue development & special projects, Oak View Group, via press release. “Not only will the arena attract larger national events and live entertainment, but it will radically change the energy and fabric of downtown Baltimore and boost the local economy in a major way.”
Clark Construction Group is overseeing the renovation project.
Renderings courtesy Oak View Group.
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