The University of Connecticut is undertaking a significant multi-phase renovation project at Gampel Pavilion, the iconic home of UConn Basketball.  The renovations represent a major investment in the infrastructure that has long defined UConn's storied men's and women's basketball programs, as well as the overall fan experience.phase  initial phase is expected to be completed in November 2026.

The multi-phase renovation project is being funded by $99.4 million in non-tax revenue raised through the sale of State of Connecticut "UConn 2000" bonds authorized by the General Assembly. An enabling phase to improve lower bowl seating and create space for the Phase 2 renovations was completed in 2025.

Phase 1 of the project includes:

• A full roof replacement that will extend the life of the dome exterior and interior ceiling while improving acoustics and comfort. While retaining its signature curved appearance, the roof will have a smooth exterior surface while the triangular patterns will be visible inside on the ceiling – preserving Gampel’s unique feel, but creating an insulating effect better suited to the Northeast. At the same time, the new configuration will improve acoustics for fans inside the arena.
• The creation of a comprehensive Basketball Gameday Suite — featuring state-of-the-art recruiting lounge, sports medicine space, team and coaches' locker rooms, a coaches' lounge and conference room, upgrades to the basketball officials' locker room, and a dedicated fully integrated post-game press and athletics meeting space.
• Consolidating and renovating the renowned Department of Kinesiology’s operations into one suite rather than the disparate spaces they currently occupy, helping to advance its prestigious and highly ranked research and academic programs.
• New grab-and-go food concessions will replace the current stands on each of the four corners of the bowl, alleviating congestion overall and easing flows to nearby restroom entryways.

Phase 2 of the project is expected to get underway in March 2027 and will include premium gameday spaces, and additional philanthropy-focused spaces designed to generate new income streams as well as a student-athlete training table/nutrition. Further details will be announced at a later date.

UConn has engaged with DPR Construction as the project's construction manager, along with S/L/A/M Collaborative as the lead designer, Legends Global as the owners' representative, and Jack Porter as the Basketball Suite graphics design firm.

What will be done to the exterior dome and when?

Repairs include detaching about 2,200 roof panels, lowering them to the ground for cleaning, raising and reinstalling them with new battens and gaskets, and then encapsulating the entire dome with insulating foam and a spray for waterproofing and UV protection.  This work will begin in mid-June and continue for approximately three months.

The new roof system is a standard process used on facilities nationwide and will increase the arena’s R-value, thereby reducing energy consumption. The work will be conducted by experienced crews following established safety protocols throughout the project, and insulation foam will only be applied on rain-free days with wind speeds under 15 MPH.

Why is there plastic attached to nearby buildings?

Protective film is installed on adjacent building facades and glass surfaces as a proactive prevention measure, like a painter using drop cloths. This is done not because paint will spill, but to eliminate or reduce any cleanup if it does. In the unlikely event that overspray reaches an unprotected or protective surface, the residue will be light and non-damaging. Residue may appear as a faint sheen in certain lighting, but due to the foam’s quick curing time, any debris that reaches surfaces are less likely to adhere and more likely to cling. UV exposure and normal rainfall will naturally break down the residue over time so it should not permanently damage surfaces, but the protective film reduces those possibilities.

Are there any safety concerns for passersby?

No. We do not anticipate any roofing material will travel to ground level or surrounding areas in any measurable concentration. Air quality monitoring will be conducted in accordance with established safety protocols to confirm ambient air conditions remain safe throughout the reroofing process.

However, if any debris from roof spraying were to travel beyond the immediate application area on the roof, it will likely cure into a rigid state similar in composition to the packing peanuts material found in shipping boxes. If a small particle were to land on human skin, it would behave the same way as a packing peanut with a light static cling, easily brushed off, with no adverse reaction.

During application of the spray for waterproofing and UV protection, some people may detect an odor like spray paint.

Will there be any closures or detours to roadways or sidewalks?

Barriers and fencing are placed around the facility to restrict parking within the potential overspray zone and to keep pedestrians away from the construction site which is standard construction procedure. Access to Gampel will be restricted to authorized personnel only and pedestrian detour signs are installed where applicable.

Vehicular travel on the following roads will be impacted through August 2026; please obey all applicable signs:

• Jim Calhoun Way closed between Hillside Road and entrance to South Garage
• Hillside Road closed between the driveway between the Center for International Students & Scholars and UConn Bookstore
• Diane Wright Way closed between Jim Calhoun Way and Lot G
• Lot G closed to parking

Will the South Garage and Bookstore remain open?

Yes, however, some parking spaces in the South Garage may be restricted at points during the summer due to a separate construction project. Access to the South Garage from points south can only occur from Lot Z (upper level).