The $12 million renovations to the UD Arena are progressing well, at least to the lens of our cameras as we saw this weekend on a fact-finding mission to view the exterior changes. So far, each side of the Arena has undergone a moderate change in appearance, and it won’t be long until everything is finished and fans can see it up close for themselves. With fall practice just two months away and the first exhibition game just three months from now, it has to be.

The most obvious changes to naked eye are the massive windowpanes under current installation on the north and south side of the facility. In fact, they are finishing up the remaining few panes of glass on the south side (Donoher Entrance side) and should have it wrapped up in short order. The glass itself is part of a steel-like facade on the outside that gives the Arena a nice industrial look without appearing too utilitarian.

The east wing is still completely open beneath the overhang and has a ways to go to really appreciate what’s visually in store. Like the north and south ends that sell tickets, the wings are getting similar glass treatment as well, but this part of the construction is still a work in progress and wont be finished for a while. One can only wonder how much weather the open wings are taking as the construction process moves forward but it’s probably a good thing that Dayton has been exceedingly dry for much of the last six weeks. The build-outs are in place; extra space that will allow for more points-of-sale for concessions as well as free up some space inside the perennially crowded wing before, during, and after games.

The north end (Welcome Stadium side) appears to show the same progress as the south side and will get much the same treatment too. Progress on the elevators look nearing completion. There’s no doubt however that the south side is the most photogenic side as the renovations tie perfectly in with the recently-added Donoher Basketball Center, making it an impressive sight.

Last, the signage tower at the northbound entrance from Edwin C. Moses Blvd. to I-75 is making progress as well, though it seems to be going a bit slower judging by the minimal changes of late in passing the structure to and from work every day. Perhaps this is due to comparative simplicity or a wait on the signage boards themselves. Whatever the case may be, the steel girders are in place and it shouldn’t be long until some brick work commences as the poster board for UD athletics takes shape.

Overall, progress looks on schedule and the weather has been a good friend. The UD Arena parking lot is littered with close to a hundred cars on most days, and we were told double-shifts were in the plans from the very beginning. We’re working on interior photos of the progress being made and will have those for you soon.

More photos on the UD Arena renovations can be found in Pride Plus for our financial supporters.