The second-oldest basketball arena in NCAA Division I receives $15.5 million update

Harvard University’s Ray Lavietes Pavilion, the second-oldest basketball arena in NCAA Division I, has received a $15.5 million, 35,556-sf restoration, renovation, and new construction initiative.

21^st century amenities were woven into the existing building fabric in an effort to celebrate the intimacy and historic charm of the venue. Included in the update is a new entrance arcade and program space below the bleachers. The space below the bleachers was created by making the top portion of the bleachers fixed and the lower part retractable. This allowed for toilet rooms, storage rooms, concessions, training rooms, and mechanical rooms to be added while still providing all the space needed for two practice courts without reducing seating capacity.

Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.

A two-story addition on the south side of the original building houses a new entrance lobby, ticket windows, merchandise shops, concession areas, team lounges, and coaches’ offices. Home and visitor locker rooms were updated with durable and natural materials.

New climate control systems, all-LED lighting, modern A/V amenities, wayfinding strategies, and landscape improvements were also included in the renovations.

The building was originally constructed in 1926. The renovations were completed in time for the 2017/2018 season.

Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.