The final phase of the $10 million renovation project at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum begins April 29, with an expected completion by late October 2019. KCAC first opened in 1961 and includes the 6,500-capacity Coliseum and the 2,500-capacity Auditorium.
Following a 2016 feasibility study of KCAC by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International, the City last year committed to investing in crucial upgrades to address longstanding needs at the nearly 60-year-old building.
Phase 1 renovations began in summer 2018 and were substantially completed by the start of the 2018 hockey season. KCAC is home to the Ice Bears professional hockey team and hosts hundreds of events every year. Since the City contracted with SMG in 2015 to manage the facility, events and booked shows at KCAC have significantly increased.
“There’s a lot of momentum around this important renovation, which allows us to keep the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum a major destination for Knoxville,” said Chip Barry, Knoxville Deputy Chief of Operations.
Renovations completed during Phase 1 were primarily focused in the Coliseum and included:
• Ceiling and truss sandblasting and repainting;
• New LED sports lighting;
• A new HVAC unit; and
• A completely upgraded fire alarm system and emergency lighting in the entire building.
The full scope of work for this next phase of the renovation will include many highly-visible upgrades, Barry said.
Visitors will find a modern redesign of restrooms in the Coliseum, including an increase in the number of restroom facilities.
Another anticipated addition to the Coliseum is a new center-hung scoreboard that will modernize the facility and greatly improve sight lines for guests in the upper levels. Ice Bears fans will see live video feeds with replay capability.
Phase 2 renovations at the Coliseum include:
• Replacement of a second HVAC unit;
• Improvement of the roof drain system;
• Power upgrades to meet the needs of larger performances;
• Replacement of the original 1961 ice floor;
• Installation of new dashers with wide-view acrylic glass;
• Upgrades to restrooms, adding up to 75 new fixtures; and
• Installation of a center-hung, four-sided video panel system and scoreboard.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 renovations at the Auditorium will include:
• Replacement of the stage smoke vents for theatrical events;
• Installation of a motorized orchestra pit lift;
• Power upgrades to meet market needs for larger shows;
• An enhanced stage fly system, which maneuvers sets, lighting and backdrops;
• Installation of catwalk safety upgrades;
• Re-covering of the original hardwood stage floor with a professional stage flooring system; and
• Installation of security camera upgrades for the building and garages.
The Coliseum is closed for renovations through September. The Auditorium will be closed for renovations from Aug. 22 through late October. Mary Costa Plaza, the performance lawn and garages will remain available for use during the renovation.
All bookings for the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum have been carefully scheduled around this renovation, Barry said: “The renovations have had limited effect on events in the building. The KCAC team and Public Building Authority have worked diligently with the contractor to coordinate schedules.”
The contractor for the KCAC renovation is the Christman Co. The architect is McCarty Holsaple McCarty. PBA is serving as the project manager on behalf of the City.