The 18,500-seat arena will enliven downtown day and night as the host of family entertainment, the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ College Basketball Experience, and sporting events. The building has strong potential as a host for NCAA and Big 12 Conference events, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.
Sprint Center intentionally is transparent to allow views both into and out of the arena, and the clear patterned glass material will catch and reflect light both day and night. It also is envision as an “arena in the park” with fountains and outdoor gathering spaces for the patrons of the arena and downtown visitors.
“The arena’s interior continues the themes of clarity and transparency established in the exterior design,” said DADT Project Architect Steve Allison. “The main entry lobby introduces patrons to the arena and the NABC; it leads visitors in a straightforward way to the public concourses and suite levels. The seating bowl is intimate and ‘event focused,’ maximizing the numbers of patrons that can be seated close to the action.”
Unique variable rise and movable seating sections provide optimal sightlines for both basketball and hockey. Concourses are arranged to provide easy access to concessions, novelty sales, restrooms and other patron amenities and, at the same time, highlight the dramatic views from inside the arena to the downtown surroundings.
DADT is responsible for the design and delivery of Sprint Center, slated to open in the fall of 2007. The multipurpose arena is envisioned as a major anchor for the new Power & Light Entertainment District and will be a striking icon on a transformed downtown landscape. DADT is composed of Ellerbe Becket, HOK Sport + Venue + Event, 360 Architecture and Rafael Architects.
The City and arena partner AEG are working to bring an NBA or NHL franchise to the new arena, as well as securing a regular engagement for the popular Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. DADT is designing the building to accommodate basketball, hockey, arena football, concerts and family shows.
Click here for glance at the Sprint Center’s fact sheet.
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