Preparations begin for groundbreaking at site of new multipurpose arena
Construction fencing is being installed; groundbreaking begins mid-September; final approved design for the arena expected in the fall
Preparations begin for groundbreaking at site of new multipurpose arena
Construction fencing is being installed; groundbreaking begins mid-September; final approved design for the arena expected in the fall
Groundbreaking will begin in mid-September on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s new multipurpose arena, with expected completion of the arena by fall 2028.
Installation of construction fencing around the project site at Cook Field has begun, with full installation expected by Aug. 10.
Also by Aug. 10, due to the construction, parking in some Cook Field lots will be limited.
- Parking in the West and South Cook Field lots will no longer be available beginning Aug. 10.
- Parking on the North side of Cook Field will remain open; however, interruptions will occur intermittently as needed during the work.
A portion of the Cook Field walking track will remain open for use outside of the construction fence, according to Cody Powell, vice president of facility planning and operations.
The design development process for the arena is nearing completion. The final design is expected to be approved later this fall, according to Robert Bell, director of planning, architecture, and engineering.
The new facility will include a basketball arena, volleyball arena, and practice courts.
Intended to enhance student experiences and boost economic development, the arena will also serve as a venue for campus events such as commencements, concerts and other live performances, career fairs, and more.
The Cook Field site will also serve as a nexus for the distribution of heating hot water and chilled water from both the Western Geothermal and North Geothermal Plants, according to Powell — consistent with the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú 2040 Climate Action Plan to decarbonize the Oxford campus and reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
- For more information about the arena, visit the Arena Updates website and FAQ page. Note: building renderings on the Arena Updates website from last spring are concepts, not final designs.
Coming soon: New and expanded intramural fields
The newly expanded multi-use intramural fields at Chestnut Fields will be open and ready for use by Aug. 10. They feature multi-use synthetic turf fields with sports lighting that will support:
- Two full-sized soccer fields
- Two softball fields
- Three flag football fields
- Rugby, lacrosse, and Ultimate Frisbee fields
New rec fields and courts at Millett South Lawn:
- Synthetic turf multi-use intramural soccer and flag football fields will be open by Aug. 17.
- Play pickle ball, tennis, and basketball on the new courts by Sept. 3.
- Enjoy the new dog park, outdoor workout space, and walking trails by Oct. 1.
Read more about the fields in the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú News story “Construction begins on new and expanded multi-use sports fields at Chestnut Fields and Millett Hall south lawn area.” (May 13)
