Assembly Hall renovations begin
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana University’s famed Assembly Hall is about to get a facelift.
For 44 years Assembly hall has much looked exactly the same, but that’s about to change.
The weather forced the groundbreaking inside and the work has actually already started.
Some 12 million fans have stood and cheered in the crowd over the past four decades.
When construction is complete, fans will be welcomed with a brand new entrance and facade.
Every bathroom will be renovated and more will be added and so will premium seating. A jumbotron will be installed so fans in the balconies can have an up close experience.
They say with the changes, the challenge will be preserving the history of the building.
“You can take any adjective that would describe a place that’s full of energy, a place that’s full of enthusiasm, a place where you absolutely feel different when you’re in it and that’s exactly the way it feels here,” said Tom Crean, IU’s men’s basketball coach
“Of course I want to preserve the history of this great building and I understand the need for growth and upgrades. My commitment is unwavering and sincere,” said Cindy Simon Skjodt,
She and her family donated $40 million for the renovation. And when it reopens it will be named after her as the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Construction is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2016.