THP Limited: University of Cincinnati Fifth Third Arena Renovation

Submitting Firm

THP Limited, Inc.

Project Details

Project Name: University of Cincinnati Fifth Third Arena Renovation

Location: 2700 O’Varsity Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221

Date Completed:  2018

Project Team

Architect: Populous

Local Architect: Moody Nolan

Owner: University of Cincinnati

Construction Manager:  Skanska USA

Structural Engineer: THP Limited, Inc

Brief Description

This icon of Cincinnati Bearcat basketball received an $87 million renovation in 2018. The arena’s interior was gutted to accommodate a state-of-the-art facility with new luxury suites, better views, and updated fan amenities. The new arena features upgraded permanent lower level bowl seating and two 360-degree concourses, with one leading to a new open entrance plaza.

THP worked closely with the design and construction team from the start of conceptual planning to develop a new arena plan that could meet the university’s needs while maintaining the project budget and working within the existing building’s structural limitations. With half of the arena located over existing occupied space below, the new structural layout was carefully coordinated with the architectural floor plan to minimize the amount of reinforcement needed. A new lightweight stadia seating material was used to reduce overall weight within the existing arena. THP’s on-site presence allowed for quick resolution of unforeseen conditions that arose during construction.

THP Limited, Inc. is an Advisory Partner of AIA Cincinnati’s 2020 VISION program.