HOK has a track record of taking existing facilities and transforming them with a ‘wow’ factor, while incorporating current and future thinking around the guest experience, fan amenities, back of house infrastructure and food and beverage options. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the City and ASM Global to reimagine the arena for future fans and spectators while ensuring it remains a vibrant entertainment destination for the region.” “Gila River Arena has long been a vital contributor to the city of Glendale’s culture and economy,” said Rashed Singaby, Principal Senior Project Designer at HOK. During a rigorous and competitive selection process, HOK demonstrated that it is both creatively and technically adept to achieve Glendale’s goal of reimagining the arena once it no longer serves as a hockey venue. The Coyotes will no longer play at the arena after their season ends this year.
Gila River Arena was built as a multipurpose facility which housed the Arizona Coyotes NHL team. HOK has been responsible for some of the most significant venue innovations in the sports, entertainment and hospitality industries. Its Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice specializes in the design of arenas, stadiums, ballparks, training facilities and entertainment centers. HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. “We know that if we do it right, we can create a highly-integrated venue that will make waves in the marketplace, exceeding performer and spectator expectations.” “Our work together with ASM Global and HOK will help define the next generation of entertainment experiences in Glendale as we serve our community, region and visitors,” said Phelps. Phelps says the modernization will position Glendale to attract high-profile national and international acts. READ ALSO: What to expect from West Valley real estate in 2022
“Bringing in the expertise of an industry leader like HOK is critical for providing more opportunities for the venue to reach its full potential.” “We are incredibly excited about the bright future as we evolve the facility and reinvent how people experience Gila River Arena,” said Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps. The renovations will modernize the facility, ensuring that it’s a world-class venue of choice with cutting-edge technology and updated guest amenities The entertainment industry has changed dramatically since Gila River Arena opened its doors in 2003. The selection of HOK, which has 24 offices around the globe, is the first step in the City’s re-investment back into the arena, to keep the arena competitive for the next 20 years. Owned by the City and managed by ASM Global, the premier venue management and services company, the 18,000-seat venue anchors the vibrant 223-acre Westgate Entertainment District. However, with hockey no longer on the schedule, more dates are available to book.The city of Glendale announced that global architectural and engineering firm HOK has been selected to lead the modernization of Gila River Arena.
To offset the loss of hockey games, the arena would need to book 20 more events with average attendance of 10,000. The focus will center heavily on the guest experience, upgrading amenities like food and beverage services and merchandising.Ī study commissioned by Glendale found hockey games averaged $12K in sales and bed tax revenues, compared to $25K for concerts.
Project components will include improving the lighting, sound and infrastructure needed to attract live performances, which could range from concerts to non-hockey sporting events like professional rodeo. A financial plan for the new project is still being worked out, but Phelps has said he hopes to avoid adding any new debt. Glendale still owes $129M from the arena’s original development. He estimates the renovation could cost in the $40M-$50M range. City Manager Kevin Phelps told the Arizona Republic initial designs could go to City Council as early as next month. Glendale has hired HOK to create a preliminary design. Now that Glendale and the Arizona Coyotes have parted ways as far as the team’s ongoing tenancy at Gila River Arena is concerned, the City’s plan moving forward is to renovate the facility to make it more attractive for other events, such as concerts and other live performances.