For months Wyoming basketball fans have waited to return to a Dome of Doom un-marred by the signs of construction and future improvements. The University of Wyoming’s revamped Arena Auditorium reopens Friday, Nov 3. A special ceremony of dedication will take place at the arena at 2:30 p.m. followed in the evening by the Cowgirls’ home opener against Chadron State at 5:30 p.m.
“There were a lot of challenges going forward on this but I think the most incredible thing was being able to respond to the fans and the donors,” Associate Athletic Director of Media Relations, Tim Harkins, said. “The Arena Auditorium will also feature beer and wine sales with four sales locations for the general public. There will also be a hospitality area for donors with a sports bar theme.”
The hospitality bar will be called “Mickey’s” in remembrance of one of UW’s biggest donors, Mick McMurry.
The face and interior of the Arena Auditorium is in the process of a $30 million renovation and remodel for years. The second phase of the project is just entering completion. Fans can expect a new ticket office and grand entrance, new food and vending opportunities and improved restrooms. According to UW’s own press release fans can even expect to have a grilled burger.
The 32-year-old building began undergoing improvements and changes in 2014 as part of the $30 million project. The funding for the project comes from $5 million in state appropriations, $6 million in private donations and $6 million in state matching funds.
The newest addition to the exterior will be on the north side of the Dome of Doom where entrants will notice a grand stone façade. Inside, an area will host a hall of fame as well as an area describing the story of the 1943 National Championship, Kenny Sailors and the 18-foot tall Sailors’ “Jump Shot” bronze.
“It’ll be nice to get in there and see what they’ve done,” UW Alum and local property owner, Byra Kite, said. “We’ve all been waiting a year to see what’s behind those doors, it’ll be nice to put it to use.”
As of Monday afternoon workers were still putting finishing touches on almost every visible area near the new grand entrance. Inside, through dust and mud-flecked windows, a tall object, about 18 feet tall, is draped in a dark tarp.
“Will they be done in time?” Cowgirl fan, Martha Gregory, said. “There seems like a lot of equipment and people over there still working, I hope this cold weather doesn’t slow them down too much.”
The second phase of the two-part project cost $17 million. Some of the other new additions will be electronic kiosks where fans can search and learn about Wyoming Cowboy athletics, a kitchen helping food vendors with higher demand and faster turnover and an enhanced Brown & Gold Store.
The dedication ceremony for the Sailors statue is Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the new grand entrance of the AA and is open to the public.
