GSU Sports Arena - Future Renovations

Future Renovations

On the 31st of May, 2012, the Georgia State University athletics department released a new master plan, including renovations to the existing Sports Arena. These renovations would remove the current escalator entrance to the sports arena and replace it with a new ticket plaza. New entrances will lead to a plaza on the first floor of the arena.

The current trophy case will be replaced by a new walk of fame leading through a corridor towards the courts. Also, a new team store will replace the current administrative offices. Two new escalators and elevators will be erected at the hall of fame and team store, serving as the main entrance to the arena.

The current court will be rotated 90 degrees to allow for 700 new seats. The total seat capacity after the renovation will be 4,100, up from the current 3,400. Additional handicap, standing room only, media areas, and premium seating will set the total capacity at 5,000. Due to the rotation of the court, a full bowl will be created surrounding the court. New premium boxes will be built above the lower bowl on either side of the court, a new media area will be built, and a new PAC lounge will be included.

Lighting will be improved, while a new video board will be hung above the court. New LED message boards will surround the court. New locker rooms will be constructed, along with new restrooms and concessions facilities.

Although the NCAA requires a master facilities plan for movement to the Football Bowl Subdivision (where the Panthers will be moving to via the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2013, there is currently no set date for implementation of the Sports Arena renovations. Instead, the athletics department has stated that construction of these facilities will occur as soon as funding becomes available. The facilities will be funded entirely through private donations