Eastern Kentucky University’s Baptist Health Arena at Alumni Coliseum will temporarily reopen for the basketball season after undergoing extensive renovations that began last spring. The facility will remain open through the end of the basketball season and for EKU’s Spring 2025 graduation ceremonies before closing again for final renovations.
“We’re excited to showcase a preview of what’s to come for Baptist Health Arena,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “These initial renovations breathe new life into this iconic facility, offering an enhanced experience for our basketball fans and a fitting stage for our spring graduates. Once the project is complete, Baptist Health Arena will stand as a premier venue for athletics, celebrations and community events, embodying EKU’s commitment to excellence and innovation.”
The court, concourse and locker room renovations in Alumni Coliseum have been completed for the temporary reopening, as well as a 300-seat conference center, team rooms, a courtside club and a team store. The next phase of construction will focus on updating the seating bowl, including upgraded chair backs on the north and south sides and modernized bench seating on the west end. The project is expected to be fully complete for the Fall 2025 volleyball and basketball seasons.
“The renovation will allow us to provide a truly first-class gameday atmosphere,” said Kyle Moats, EKU vice president and director of athletics. “The updated locker rooms, team rooms, athletic training facilities and offices will bring a much-needed enhancement as we look to stay competitive in the ever-changing world of intercollegiate athletics.”
Baptist Health Arena will host its first events of the year this week as EKU Men’s Basketball plays North Florida on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Women’s Basketball plays North Alabama on Saturday, Jan. 11. Both teams continue home play at the facility through the season.
In addition to athletic games, the renovated Alumni Coliseum will host student events such as orientation, Big E Welcome, concerts, entertainment, conferences, graduation, recruiting events and community events, such as statewide tournaments and high school graduation ceremonies.
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