The Lynchburg, VA planning commission has helped move the proposed new Liberty arena forward, as it has recommended approval of the project.
As announced back in March, Liberty University is pursuing the construction of a new arena that would host men’s and women’s basketball, as well as volleyball. Those programs currently play at the larger Vines Center, but the new arena will offer a intimate atmosphere for these sports with a seating capacity of up to 4,500.
The new Liberty arena will be constructed adjacent to the Vines Center, with the two venues connected via tunnel. The Vines Center will remain in use for larger events, and its facilities will continue to support the teams that are moving their games to the new arena. More from The News & Advance:
Dan Deter, vice president of major construction at LU, said the building will be separate from the Vines Center but will be connected through a tunnel.
He told commissioners the Vines Center sometimes holds 10,000 people, but athletic games don’t normally bring in as many guests.
He said at the meeting the new arena will create for a “more intimate venue.”
The Vines Center will be continued to be used for concerts and events but less for athletics once the new arena is built.
Planning commission members who participated in the vote were unanimous in their support of the arena, with one commissioner absent. In its March announcement, Liberty projected a 2020 opening for the arena.
Rendering courtesy Liberty University.
