University of Oregon arena financing, designs progressing

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EUGENE, Ore. -- (Jan. 22, 2008) -- The University of Oregon today released the latest conceptual design for a new $200-million arena, just days after a key legislative committee lent support to the project's financing package.  

The architectural team of Ellerbe Becket/TVA Architects created the rendering as part of a pre-development effort that will continue to advance the design until a final decision is made on the project.  

"We know more right now about the structure of the financing plan than we do about the final design of the arena," UO President Dave Frohnmayer said. "However this rendering illustrates why we have no doubt that the final product will be stunning." 

While the design of the state-of-the-art, 12,500-seat arena is still taking shape, the financing plan received a boost after the Legislature's Joint Ways and Means Committee endorsed the plan last week. The financing package calls for 30-year state revenue bonds to cover the entire cost of the arena. The plan still must receive approval from the Oregon Legislature next month and the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in March.

The current vision is the result of the design collaboration between Executive Architect Ellerbe Becket of Kansas City, a premier arena designer with extensive collegiate arena experience, and Design Architect TVA Architects, one of Oregon's preeminent design firms. 

"It is our goal to create an outstanding facility that respectfully acknowledges the legend of McArthur Court and its historic role in collegiate athletics," said Bob Thompson, TVA Architects principal.

Ellerbe Becket has received acclaim around the world for creating high-performance sports facility design. The firm’s resume includes some of the world’s most notable venues – Centennial Olympic Stadium for the Atlanta Olympics, Madison Square Garden and Lambeau Field. Ellerbe Becket’s introduction to the University of Oregon came earlier this decade when the firm renovated Autzen Stadium. Other recent projects include the new John Paul Jones Arena at the University of Virginia and the McCarthy Athletic Center at Gonzaga University. Approximately 90 million fans a year attend events in Ellerbe Becket sports and entertainment facilities.

TVA Architects Inc. is a nationally recognized architectural, planning and interiors firm based in Portland, Oregon. It is the recipient of over 50 local and national awards for excellence in design and is active designing projects throughout the United States and Asia. Established in 1984, the firm specializes in the design of athletic facilities, corporate headquarters, high-rise office and condominium towers as well as museums and private residences.

"We are very pleased with the most recent vision for a world-class arena to serve the University of Oregon and the entire state," UO Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny said. "I am personally extremely proud of our entire team, including the people who are working on the financing, marketing plan, design, construction and the many disciplines that it takes to make this project successful. Many exceptional people are putting in very long hours to create the best outcome possible."   

The UO Athletic Department continues to evaluate ticket pricing concepts to ensure that the project remains financially solid while also continuing to provide opportunities for students and the community at large to enjoy the venue.

Frohnmayer acknowledged that the consultative process for the arena is not limited to the outcome of the financing package.

"We will continue to reach out to the many stakeholders on campus, in the surrounding neighborhood and throughout the community as the project progresses," he said.  

The university and its development team will continue to release more details as the design process moves forward.

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Julie Brown, UO director of media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu