Indiana University basketball arena to open after face-lift

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - Indiana University's newly renovated basketball arena is set to reopen in time for the school's homecoming football game.

The arena will open with a dedication Friday, and fans will be able to tour its north and west lobbies Saturday.

"This means a lot to people, even transcending basketball," Indiana University athletic director Fred Glass said.

The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall will be named for Indianapolis philanthropist and IU alumna Cindy Simon Skjodt, whose $40 million gift has helped fund a capital campaign throughout the athletic department.

"I grew up going to Assembly Hall, always been a huge IU basketball fan," Glass, told The Indianapolis Star. "There's a lot of things that we want to get done and I think will get done, and I'm proud are getting done, but Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall's a big deal."

The changes to the building include a new atrium, fresh club-level amenities, replaced seats, and a media and technology center.

"I think this is gonna be one of those gifts that keeps on giving," said Glass.

Pieces taken from the old arena have been incorporated into the new design. For example, Assembly Hall's old score board has been cut in half and placed in the south atrium. The new scoreboard is 500 square feet larger than its predecessor and will be fully operational during basketball games.

"I've been heartened," said Glass, "by a couple of guys who said, 'You know man, I didn't really like the idea of renovating Assembly Hall, but this feels like home.' "