Beeghly Center Renovation
Youngstown State University | Youngstown , Ohio
Youngstown State University retained the services of OSPORTS to prepare a study for major upgrades to Beeghly Center. Built in 1971, the multi-purpose sports center housed all of YSU’s indoor athletic venues and support facilities. The arena portion of the complex needed a major renovation and addition to keep up with their peer institutions in the Horizon League and other Midwest universities facilities. The principal ideas were to improve the fan experience, increase attendance and create a premium venue for graduation ceremonies. The dated look of the main entry hall created an opportunity to add a new modern façade.
The program for the project is as follows:
• New Entry Pavilion (addition) with a modern glass façade
• Increase the size of the first level lobby by doubling the footprint with new ticket office and support space, YSU Team Shop with access from both inside and outside and main Concessions
• Add a private lounge space and AD’s office/conference room
• Add a major Club Lounge within the arena space at the second level with access from the new lobby at the south end. Also, the new elevator, premium seating and food service could be used as conference space for non game day activities.
Lastly, this project is an important portal element and western gateway to campus. The dynamic sports architecture is meant to express the speed, agility and power of the sports events played inside. The Arena addition/renovation is a long overdue upgrade to the ‘fan experience’ with multiple branding and naming rights opportunities.