Connecticut sports center’s overhaul targets improved fan experience

by arslan_ahmed | February 26, 2024 10:00 am

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Sacred Heart University’s (SHU’s) William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center (Pitt Center) in Fairfield, Conn., is set to undergo extensive renovations, including a transformation of the campus’ focal point—the center’s 2,000-seat multipurpose arena.

The redesigned layout includes a 90-degree rotation of the court, surrounded by permanent bleacher-style, and backed, arena-style seating, creating an enhanced fan experience and home court advantage. This innovative approach maximizes the existing building footprint, providing ample practice options for SHU’s Division I athletes.

Key features of the renovation include a mezzanine for VIP seating and events, new video boards, sound systems, and lighting. The upgrades align with SHU’s commitment to supporting student-athletes, especially as the university transitions from the Northeast Conference to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) next academic year. The move to MAAC brings new opportunities for national exposure.

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Starting this spring, partnering with the S/L/A/M Collaborative, an architecture and construction firm, SHU aims to complete the renovations in time for the next basketball season.

The Pitt Center, which opened in 1997, has been a hub for various events, including concerts, games, and convocation ceremonies. The university invites alumni, parents, and friends to the SHU Athletics Showcase on February 24, providing insights into the upcoming renovations and details on the MAAC inaugural season in 2024-2025.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/connecticut-sports-centers-overhaul-targets-improved-fan-experience/

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