Editor’s Note: Ellerbe Becket and VMDO Architects teamed on the sparkling new John Paul Jones Arena on the campus of the University of Virginia. The venue received one of the highest honors at the Annual POLLSTAR Concert Industry Awards recently. Following is a news release issued by the University of Virginia.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena has been named Pollstar’s “Best New Concert Venue.” General Manager Larry Wilson accepted the award at the 18th Annual POLLSTAR Concert Industry Awards Ceremony held in Los Angeles in February.

“This is one of the highest honors an arena can receive, we are thrilled with the award,” Wilson said. “The JPJ Arena was designed not only as the best place in the country to play basketball, but also as an outstanding facility for concerts and other events. It has been a special treat to see so many persons from our community attend events at the arena. When we learned that Pollstar had recognized our facility we were delighted – not only for the University and our partner SMG, but also for our community. ”

“Local residents have been extremely supportive of our efforts, ” said Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The John Paul Jones Arena opened Aug. 1, 2006, and has hosted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry in its short five-month history: Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Strait and Kenny Chesney, to name a few. Billy Joel and Rod Stewart, among others, are slated to appear at the arena in the next several months.

The John Paul Jones Arena is an SMG managed facility. SMG was founded in 1977 and is the world leader in facility management, marketing and development, with over 200 venues worldwide. SMG provides each of its clients with a unique combination of industry experience, national and international presence, and extensive resources to draw upon to ensure the success of its facilities.

An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and the construction industry, with office locations worldwide.

Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com