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Turner Construction returns to the sports and entertainment sector on another arena project.
Fresh from the delivery of the Buffalo Bills new $2.1 billion NFL stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Turner announced that it has won a $282 million construction manager contract modernize the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Known locally as “The Well,” the venue is home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events throughout the year. Originally built in 1998, the arena recently gained approval from the City of Greenville a renewal and expansion plan.
The multi-phase project will modernize the existing arena, add a new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater and expand the surrounding entertainment district in downtown Greenville, according to a June 30 news release from Turner.
The arena has as a goal compete with other scenarios in the Southeast and nationally by upgrading amenities for fans, performers and athletes, according to a press release from the Greenville Arena District. This includes:
- Modernized aft areas with two new loading docks, additional storage and an additional 18,000 square feet for changing rooms and flex space.
- A 22,000 square foot lobby level expansion with more accessible seating, expanded bathrooms, and additional food and beverage options.
- Redesigned entrances for better traffic flow and a new west entrance and lobby space for community events.
As construction manager, Turner is responsible for overseeing all phases of construction and has prioritized the involvement of local contractors and subcontractors, according to the announcement.
That will include leveraging Turner’s School of Construction Management, a community outreach program the New York City-based builder launched in 1969. The free, multi-week program helps small and emerging businesses gain the knowledge and connections needed for large-scale construction projects.
“The Turner School of Construction Management has been part of who we are, and bringing it to Greenville is one of the most important things we can do on this project,” William Hussey, Turner’s project executive, said in the statement. “Our company has made a public commitment to direct 20 percent of our outsourced revenue to local and small businesses by 2028.”
The improvements are funded by arena revenue, a hospitality fee and a lodging fee. The initiative will not increase taxes on Greenville County residents, according to Turner
