Miami’s iconic Millett Hall, which opened in 1968 and hosted thousands of men’s and women’s games and other non-athletic events, is currently being debated by university officials to be replaced by a new arena on campus. is the focus of preliminary discussions, school officials said.
The North Oxford Campus Arena, which seats about 10,000 people and houses the Miami Sports Authority and other offices, is aging and in need of major renovations estimated to cost $80 million “in the short term.” officials said in a recent statement.
“At this early planning stage, the university is looking to create a new building that will be centrally located on campus, within walking distance to students and uptown Oxford, capable of hosting multiple events simultaneously, and better able to host university and city events.” We recognized the need for an arena for lectures, gatherings, concerts, career fairs, graduation ceremonies, etc. ”
“We are currently exploring design options and philanthropic funding opportunities as part of Miami’s multibillion-dollar (fundraising) campaign,” officials said.
Seth Boggess, Miami’s senior director of communications, told the Journal News that plans for Millett’s replacement are exploratory at this time.
“These potential projects are in the very early stages of conception and provide insight into how the university will evolve over the next 10 years, enhancing the student experience, enriching Oxford and driving regional economic development. It is borne out of continuous evaluation and discussion of the .
Officially named John D. Millett Hall after the University of Miami’s 16th president, the arena opened on December 2, 1968 and serves as the home of Redhawk men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball.
Built at a cost of approximately $7.5 million, Millett Hall houses many of the athletic department offices as well as the university’s ROTC offices. The building also hosts graduation practices, plays, and concerts.
Thousands of people gathered at the arena recently to hear Kevin O’Leary of TV’s “Shark Tank” speak.
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And discussions about the development also include scenarios affecting Cuckfield, a popular recreation area on the Oxford campus (used by thousands of students each year for intramural sports), including some could be converted into the site of the largest on-campus hotel in school history.
According to City of Miami officials, “The university also recently has access to meeting space, high-quality food and beverage services, and a fitness facility located on university-owned property.”
“Companies have expressed interest in the north-west corner of Cookfield, but a final site has not been determined. If the university pursues this, it will need to ensure sufficient recreational space for students. It will extend the Cuckfield grass playing surface to the south.”
Boggess stressed that no formal action has yet been taken regarding both proposed projects.
“The strategic planning process has generated bold new ideas for all aspects of university life, including revitalizing the campus experience. We look forward to sharing more as our initiatives develop next year. ” he said.
“It is important to note that neither project can proceed without the full approval of the University of Miami Board of Trustees. Since these ideas are still in the early stages, both proposals may be submitted to the Board of Trustees for consideration at any time. There is no definite date as to when it will be submitted.
Miami student Jacob Esterridge often passes Millett Hall during his classes and thinks a more modern arena is a good idea.
“It would be great to have a bigger and better arena, especially considering the cost of updating this arena ($80 million).”
But classmate Zane Alhil said the money spent on the new arena and campus hotel would be better spent on academic programs.
“It would be a waste of money. These (projects) would be more about the look of the Miami brand, not the educational quality of Miami,” Alhir said.
