TicketsJuly 12, 2012
CINCINNATI - As the fall season for Bearcats athletics inches closer, facility upgrades are ongoing in preparation for an August completion.
Upgrades at Gettler Stadium and in the practice gym in the Richard E. Lindner Center are on pace for their desired Aug. 1 completion date to accommodate for preseason practice for the volleyball, soccer and basketball teams.
The installation of the new FieldTurf Revolution surface at Gettler Stadium has begun and should be completed in the next seven to 10 days. The initial laying of the turf began on Wednesday and the securing of the turf and the incorporation of the C-paw logo and field lines will follow.
Inside the practice gym, the installation of sound-absorbent sound panels, provided by ZSR Construction and Restoration, is in its final stages. The focus of the project has shifted to the aesthetic improvements in the facility. UC branded graphics have already been displayed on the walls, with photos and banners relating to the basketball and volleyball programs set to be incorporated shortly.
The Fifth Third Arena court is currently wrapping up the process of its aesthetic changes while it is housed in Armory Fieldhouse. After the painting and drying period completed, the court is presently in the midst of its two-week curing period before it can be moved into Fifth Third Arena. The move to Fifth Third Arena is expected in early August and may include an initial stacking of the 4-by-8 foot wood panels in the arena to acclimate to the facility's air conditioning. Once the acclimation period is complete, the playing surface will be assembled.
The Sheakley Athletics Center is close to completion, with most of its exterior construction finished. Construction of the press box and other interior features is still on-going and has a target date of being completed in time for the Sheakley Athletic Center grand opening on Aug. 28. The frame and structure of the scoreboard/video platform between the full-length field and the neighboring half field is nearing completion, with a Daktronics scoreboard/video platform set to be installed in late August.
A minor facility update to Nippert Stadium is currently in the works. A video platform, located inside the north end zone scoreboard, will be constructed to house four cameras; home and visiting team video, in-house scoreboard productions and television. The platform will utilize the existing catwalks behind the scoreboard for safety and a fourth steel catwalk and steel staircases will be built to accommodate the area's increased traffic. For television, video cables will now to be able to run from the platform, down to the field level where the production trucks are stationed.
The platform will be an upgrade over the old scissor lifts on the south end zone concourse area, and will provide more room and better views for fans.
Conceptual project forms have been created for the construction of the platform. In the coming weeks, physical construction of the project will begin, with a targeted completion date of early September, in time for football's home opener against Pittsburgh on Sept. 6.
Stayed tuned to GoBearcats.com for the final installment of our facility upgrades update in the upcoming weeks.