Harvard University’s Ray Lavietes Pavilion, the second-oldest basketball arena in NCAA Division I, has received a $15.5 million, 35,556-sf restoration, renovation, and new construction initiative.
21st century amenities were woven into the existing building fabric in an effort to celebrate the intimacy and historic charm of the venue. Included in the update is a new entrance arcade and program space below the bleachers. The space below the bleachers was created by making the top portion of the bleachers fixed and the lower part retractable. This allowed for toilet rooms, storage rooms, concessions, training rooms, and mechanical rooms to be added while still providing all the space needed for two practice courts without reducing seating capacity.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.
A two-story addition on the south side of the original building houses a new entrance lobby, ticket windows, merchandise shops, concession areas, team lounges, and coaches’ offices. Home and visitor locker rooms were updated with durable and natural materials.
New climate control systems, all-LED lighting, modern A/V amenities, wayfinding strategies, and landscape improvements were also included in the renovations.
The building was originally constructed in 1926. The renovations were completed in time for the 2017/2018 season.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.
Related Stories
Arenas | Jul 12, 2019
Arenas on campuses aren’t just for sports anymore
Several ARC-designed projects give the firm’s academic clients more event-hosting flexibility.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 15, 2018
Is this the most environmentally sustainable arena in the country?
The university arena was designed by Architectural Resources Cambridge.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 11, 2017
Mid-size, multi-use arenas setting a trend for the future
While large 20,000-seat sports venues aren’t going away, mid-size venues provide advantages the big arenas do not in a time of budget constraints and the need for flexibility.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 21, 2017
Boston Celtics training and practice facility will be part of Boston Landing mixed-use development
The facility will also include two floors of Class A laboratory and office space and retail space.
| Aug 15, 2016
SPORTS FACILITY GIANTS: New and renovated college sports venues - designed to serve students and the community
Schools are renovating existing structures or building new sports facilities that can serve the student body and surrounding community.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 6, 2016
Las Vegas debuts another new arena, with a number of ‘firsts’
The gambling mecca has its eyes on attracting a pro sports team.
Events Facilities | Mar 7, 2016
Experts pessimistic on Chicago’s $650 million McCormick Place expansion
Developers and city officials envision $250 million of annual growth, but the figure assumes that a new arena will lure conventions and draw full houses for basketball games.
Giants 400 | Jan 29, 2016
SPORTS FACILITIES GIANTS: Populous, AECOM, Turner among top sports sector AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest sports sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report
| Jan 14, 2016
How to succeed with EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the six elements of an EIFS wall assembly; common EIFS failures and how to prevent them; and EIFS and sustainability.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jan 6, 2016
A solar canopy makes Miami’s arena more functional
NRG Energy teams with Miami Heat to transform an underused open-air plaza and reinforce the facility’s green reputation