SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The University of Vermont and the City of South Burlington have announced a joint study to consider the feasibility of constructing a multi-purpose arena on a site in South Burlington. City Manager of South Burlington Kevin Dorn made the announcement on Tuesday along with UVM Vice President for University Relations and Administration Tom Gustafson and Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics
Dr. Robert Corran.
As envisioned, the arena would provide a high quality venue for UVM athletic events and other University programs, as well as concerts, family entertainment, conventions and trade shows. The arena would also serve as an important recreational facility for South Burlington residents.
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CatamounTV Recap"This concept represents a new approach for the University to reach its long-term goals," said Gustafson. "While we are continuing to work toward solving our facility needs, it presents another innovative option to evaluate. We are excited to find out through this process in the months ahead."
The feasibility study will be conducted by a joint Staff Working Group comprised of UVM and City officials with expertise relevant to the project. UVM President Tom Sullivan will appoint a team from the University and Dorn will appoint staff from the City. The feasibility analysis will make significant use of and build on at least two prior arena studies conducted by UVM and the State.
The study will address location, design needs, program, financing, scheduling, operations, legal issues, construction options, oversight, sponsorship opportunities, public financing sources, general layout options and other issues as they arise. The analysis will begin immediately with a report expected back to the President and City Manager by August 15, 2016. The report will then go to the UVM Board of Trustees and the City Council, respectively, to determine next steps.
"UVM is a high quality Division I program with a strong emphasis on the student-athlete and the educational and competitive experience that they have here," said Corran. "It is no secret that our basketball and hockey venues are in need of significant improvement, and this facility could prove to be a viable and exciting solution to that problem."
Any recommendation by the City of South Burlington to construct such an arena will be fully vetted through an open public process similar to other large public design processes. Elements such as funding will require voter approval.
