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Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler provided an update on the project and delivered the site recommendation made by a committee of university faculty, staff, and alumni. Sayler spoke about the need for a new multipurpose arena and the current vision for the site, noting that the project is still in the exploratory phase.

“Our focus will be to make this a student-centered project first and foremost,” Sayler said. “That will drive the design and amenity choices.”

A press release said, “That to best support student-athletes, the proposed arena would include more facilities than currently exist at Millett Hall, including two basketball practice courts and a volleyball arena. It is also expected to include additional revenue generation opportunities that Millett Hall cannot accommodate.”

Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Services and CFO David Creamer shared some preliminary projected costs for the proposed new multipurpose arena and related projects. Cost of construction of the arena and practice facilities are expected to not exceed $187.7 million. Given the preliminary nature of the project, the estimate includes contingency and escalation costs for inflation during the period of design according to the press release.

“This is the marquee athletic project of our billion-dollar fundraising campaign, ‘For Love. For Honor. For those who will.’” said Brad Bundy, vice president for Advancement. “All along, our thinking on this, should the project move forward, is to significantly fund it with philanthropy. We are confident there is appetite to do so given initial donor and alumni excitement and feedback.”

Creamer said that building a new arena at the Cook Field site also allows the university to invest a projected $9.9 million-$13 million in Miami’s intramural recreation space, which would be relocated to the south lawn area of Millett. Much of these costs will be offset by other projects already funded and philanthropic gifts. Additionally, in support of the university’s commitment of carbon neutrality by 2040, geothermal wells are being installed in the Millett Hall south lawn area. These wells will prevent building construction on the ground above them, however provide a setting for recreation and intramural fields.

“We want to create something very special for our students at the Millett Hall location, with their input and involvement,” Sayler said.

Built in 1968, Millett Hall originally housed one varsity sport in men’s basketball. Volleyball and women’s basketball were both added in 1974. It would cost at least $130 million to repair Millett (which has $85 million in deferred maintenance) and add practice facilities (estimated at $50 million). An additional investment would be needed to make renovations, bring up to current code, and add amenities expected in modern facilities.

A new multipurpose arena would address space limitations and systems operations and maintenance challenges at Millett Hall, as well as “modernize the fan experience”.

“This will create a new and vibrant space for people to come together and support Miami in many different ways,” Sayler said. “We also have an opportunity to hold even more events in a new facility, including ones that are not athletics related, and the arena can serve as an anchor piece of an events district that drives economic development within Oxford.”

According to the statement, the location of the site will allow the multipurpose arena to facilitate concurrent, student-related activities and other campus events, such as commencements, concerts, creative arts performances, career fairs, and more.

The site also has a large footprint with abundant space and gives the ability to add additional facilities, including connection to potential future hotel and/or restaurants. Its location at the intersection of State Route 73 and U.S. 27 would allow for improved control of traffic flow and direct entrance and exit from State Route 73, limiting traffic congestion on campus.

There is no timetable currently on the construction of a new multipurpose arena.

“As innovative, student-first ideas and programming move forward from the MiamiTHRIVE strategic planning process, Miami is prioritizing these and other projects that directly benefit students and the community by supporting a vibrant and reinvigorated campus experience, as well as those that strengthen the local economy,” President Gregory Crawford said.