Nederlander Entertainment and AEG Facilities today released renovation concepts for U.S. Bank Arena, designed by local architectural firm MSA Sport.
“Cincinnati has proven that it can successfully host major events, including the MLB All-Star Game and the 2012 World Choir Games, but we know we need to improve our major indoor sports and entertainment venue to continue to be competitive for major events and national acts,” said Ray Harris, CEO of Nederlander Entertainment, which owns U.S. Bank Arena in partnership with AEG. “We’re confident this vision for a new and dramatically upgraded U.S. Bank Arena, when implemented, will give us the ability to compete for and deliver major events on a consistent basis. This is a critical component of our community’s economic development.”
Harris said Nederlander, AEG Facilties, the world leader in venue operations, and MSA Sport are excited to share their vision with community leaders and to work towards making it a reality.
“The greater Cincinnati region has always had the reputation as one of the nation’s most passionate sports and entertainment markets,” said Bob Newman, president, AEG Facilities. “The timing is right for this comprehensive renovation plan that will position U.S. Bank Arena as a ‘must play’ venue while attracting an even greater diversity of high profile events to one of the world’s most amazing waterfront destinations.”
Additionally:
- The new design allows multiple points of entry, making the arena more accessible from all directions.
- A completely new façade incorporating highly sustainable contemporary materials
- A continuous walkable concourse around the arena’s base will connect the plaza level to the riverfront and The Banks.
- The total number of seats will be increased to approximately 18,500, including as many as 1,750 club seats.
- A new suite level, closer to the stage, will allow for 40 to 60 suites, depending on the final configuration, with the opportunity for additional suites to be added on other levels. The need for additional suites at U.S. Bank Arena was a key factor in Cincinnati losing its bid to host to the 2016 Republican National Convention.
- Added and modernized locker room facilities will provide infrastructure key to attracting a variety of collegiate sports programming including NCAA Championship events such as regional men’s basketball tournaments.
- Multiple and wider concourses that will enhance access and improve safety while providing the ability to introduce new and state of the art improved customer amenities and other services.
- Greatly enhanced vertical circulation (escalators and added elevators) to provide convenient access to all levels.
- New exterior video boards and freestanding video signage elements that will enhance the opportunities for branding and promotion.
- Large open volumes of space that creates exciting multi-level spaces and views.
“Our city has embraced its geography and heritage by developing one of the most beautiful and vibrant riverfronts in the country,” said Michael Schuster, principal of MSA Sport. “Now it is time for a new, reinvented civic ‘living room;’ our arena is the missing piece.”
Nederlander is a leading owner and operator of entertainment and sports facilities in the country with facilities in Europe and Asia as well. From Broadway theaters to concert halls to outdoor amphitheaters, Nederlander brings more than a century of experience in concert, entertainment and sports promotions. Active in Cincinnati for 30 years, Nederlander acquired U.S. Bank Arena in 2001 and has operated it since. AEG Facilities joined as a partner five years ago.
AEG Facilities is one of the most experienced operators of sports and entertainment facilities in the world. It owns, operates, and consults with more than 100 of the industry’s preeminent venues on five continents and throughout the United States. It helped develop and now manages the Sprint Center in Kansas City that has no major sports tenant, yet still hosts 150 events a year, had five-year attendance of 5.6 million people, and average annual economic impact of $120 million a year to the Kansas City metropolitan area. The company’s portfolio of major indoor venues in key cities and capital markets also includes Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center, London’s O2 arena, Hamburt, Germany’s Barclayard Arena, Sydnet Australia’s Allphones Arena and Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena. .
MSA Sport is an award-winning Cincinnati-based architectural firm with a national sports architecture practice. Active in the development of the design of Great American Ballpark, MSA has worked on Minute Maid Ballpark in Houston, Fifth Third Field in Dayton, WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, the Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, and the Cintas Center at Xavier. MSA brings to this project a broad national experience and deep roots in the Cincinnati community.
For a full rendering, video, and more information, go to www.usbankarena.com
