Iowa State Media Relations
Ames, Iowa – The Iowa State Athletics Department has received permission from the Iowa Board of Regents to develop comprehensive plans for a purposed $10-$12 million renovation of the Iowa State Center’s Scheman Building during its meeting today in Urbandale.
The improvements, which will be paid for by athletics department revenues and could be completed as early as the 2024-25 academic year if final approval is granted by the Regents, will focus on creating a dynamic event space that can be used to enhance all events the 48-year-old facility annually hosts, as well as the game-day experience for Cyclone Club members attending events next door at Hilton Coliseum.
“The Scheman Building has hosted thousands of visitorsand served the Ames and campus communities so well since opening its doors nearly 50 years ago. We believe this is a much needed reinvestment that will enhance the experience for everyone who attends future events in the facility,” said Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard. “Our goal is to make sure this facility continues to service the Ames and campus communities for the next 50 years.”
The athletics department, which manages the Iowa State Center, is working with university leaders to develop plans to update the Scheman Building’s entrance lobby, restrooms, event and circulation spaces. As part of the renovations, Benton Auditorium would be converted to an open, flexible event space. In addition, the facility would receive upgraded entrances, new interior finishes, lighting, wayfinding and food and beverage amenities. The design process will also include an evaluation of the center’s exterior elevated walkway network.
In addition to the Scheman Building enhancements, the athletics department has also dedicated over $1 million in funds toward a refresh at CY Stephens Auditorium, which opened in 1969, to include new carpet throughout the most heavily used spaces and improvements to restrooms. The CY Stephens updates are expected to be complete by fall 2023.
All-told, when these two projects are completed, the Department of Athletics will have invested more than $18 million in improvements to the Iowa State Center, including the completion of a $5 million parking lot improvement project that opened ahead of the 2022 Cyclone football season.
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