Turner Construction is going back to the sports and entertainment well on another arena project.
Fresh off the handover of the Buffalo Bills new, $2.1 billion NFL stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Turner announced it has won a $282 million construction manager contract to modernize the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Known locally as “The Well,” the venue is home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, minor league affiliates of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, and hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events throughout the year. Originally built in 1998, the arena recently secured approval from the city of Greenville for a renovation and expansion plan.
The multi-phase project will modernize the existing arena, add a new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater and expand the surrounding entertainment district in downtown Greenville, according to a June 30 news release from Turner.
The arena aims to compete with other venues across the Southeast and nationally by updating amenities for fans, performers and athletes, according to a Greenville Arena District news release. That includes:
- Modernized back-of-house areas with two new loading docks, additional storage and 18,000 additional square feet for dressing rooms and flex-space.
- A 22,000-square-foot expansion of the concourse level with more accessible seating, expanded restrooms and additional food and beverage options.
- Redesigned entrances for better traffic flow and a new western entrance and lobby space for community events.
As construction manager, Turner is responsible for overseeing all phases of construction and has prioritized participation of local contractors and subcontractors, per the announcement.
That will include leveraging Turner’s School of Construction Management, a community outreach program the New York City-based builder launched in 1969. The free, multi-week program helps small and emerging businesses gain the knowledge and connections needed for large-scale construction projects.
“The Turner School of Construction Management has been part of who we are and bringing it to Greenville is one of the most important things we can do on this project,” William Hussey, project executive at Turner, said in the release. “Our company has made a public commitment to directing 20 percent of our subcontracted revenue to local and small businesses by 2028.”
The improvements are funded through arena revenues, a hospitality tax and an accommodations tax. The initiative won’t raise taxes on Greenville County residents, according to Turner
