UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 21, Page 7
February 27, 1992
Taking shape: Carpenter Center construction right on schedule

     Construction of the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center
continues on schedule for a fall opening, according to Francis
Cutrona, construction inspector in the Facilities Planning and
Construction department.
     The relatively mild and open winter has permitted work to
continue throughout the winter months. Use of antifreeze additives
and temporary heat has allowed even the concrete work to continue
when temperatures have been below the freezing point, he said.
     Since erection of steel began in November, the construction
project has offered the passerby a constantly changing appearance.
     From South College Avenue, the office wing and exterior ticket
windows are now obvious. Pouring of the main staircase and of last
of the exterior walls will soon permit the main entrance and lobby
areas to be enclosed. Brickwork on the north stair towers and north
and west office walls is now complete and installation of the
roofing system is progressing.
     From Chestnut Hill Road, one can look into the arena through
the open south concourse area. This will be one of the last areas
to be enclosed as it provides access to the arena for construction
vehicles and materials, Cutrona said.
     On the east side of the building, the east stair tower is
nearing completion and one can now see the loading area which will
have three large service doors, one with an adjustable ramp to meet
the tailgate of delivery trucks.
     On the north side of the building is a lounge area that is
located about 32 feet above both the basketball court and the
football field in Delaware Stadium. Glass on both the north and
south walls of this room will permit excellent views of both
activities. It is expected that this room will be a popular
location for receptions and meetings.
     Below the lounge area, installation of walls and mechanical
systems continues, defining those areas which will be the Fightin'
Blue Hen football and basketball teams locker rooms, training
facilities and a new sports medicine clinic.
     Cutrona said Delaware football players will now enter the
stadium from the southwest and visiting teams from the southeast.
     In the arena area, the dirt floor will soon be replaced with
a multipurpose concrete floor upon which a portable hard wood
basketball floor will be set.
     Precast concrete risers are in place on the west, north and
east, defining the location of over 3,000 of the arena's 5,000
seats. Stakes with red ribbons mark center court. Standing in the
middle of the north stands gives one a good sense of what it will
be like to watch Blue Hen basketball next season..you can almost
hear the crowd cheering.
     Cutrona said retractable seating will be provided on the south
side of the arena. Under this seating will be a synthetic surface
to be used as a basketball practice court.
     Other features of the facility include a 120 seat auditorium
under the west stands, three team meeting rooms, and coach and
administrative offices in the northwest section. Outside the
building, new parking areas, relocated practice fields and
rainwater retention ponds are already in place. Extensive
landscaping began last fall and will be completed in the fall of
this year.
     This has been an exciting project to be associated with and
will provide the University community with an excellent athletic
and multi-purpose arena, Cutrona said.
                                        - Steven Steenkamer