Target Center in Minneapolis is getting a facelift of sorts and it will happen during a three-step process beginning next summer.
The venue’s announcement for plans to make $129 million in improvements coincided with the 25th anniversary of its first day in business, WCCO notes.
The marquee renovation will come on the exterior of Target Center, as a five-story glass atrium will be the focus of a new-look entrance at the corner of First Avenue and Sixth Street.
Happy 25th birthday TC! Today marks 25 years since we opened on October 13, 1990. #TargetCenter25 pic.twitter.com/EjZzerSZYo
— Target Center (@TargetCenterMN) October 13, 2015
The Star Tribune observes that the city of Minneapolis will pay for $74.5 million of the project while the Timberwolves and operator AEG cover the rest of the bill.
Among the first of the upgrades will be a new scoreboard inside the arena. Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Rob Moor says the scoreboard will be finished before the start of the 2016-17 NBA season, FOX Sports North reports.
“A renovation of this city-owned building is a sensible way to keep it viable for years to come,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.
An exact timeline for construction wasn’t provided, but the plan is to finish all renovations in 2017.
“Phase 1 Summer 2016: Suite Level, Scoreboard, Acoustic ImprovementsPhase 2 Fall 2016-Spring 2017: Exterior Work Begin, Loading Dock, Marshalling YardPhase 3 Summer 2017: New Lobby Built, Locker Rooms, Dressing Rooms, Public Restrooms, Concourse Improvements, Additional Club Spaces, Food and Beverage Improvements”
The arena will keep it’s naming rights with Target, according to a report from KSTP.
Canis Hoopus notes that the Lynx will have to find a temporary home for all home games in 2017 as Target Center closes for construction.
Full audio of the #TargetCenter25 press conference that took place this morning: https://t.co/nxdfkFwoyL
— Target Center (@TargetCenterMN) October 13, 2015
