SNHU Arena phase 1 work 41% complete; video wall delayed, staff optimistic about summer delivery

The Committee on Baseball and Civic Center heard an update on phase 1 of capital improvements at SNHU Arena on an item presented during the committee meeting. Mister Becker, a staff member, told the committee the overall project is roughly 41% complete and that the largest outstanding cost is the arena's new video board, which has been delayed in transit.

The update matters because the remaining work affects upcoming events, commencements and operating equipment at the arena. Committee members asked whether construction would interfere with scheduled events and sought clarification on budgetary impacts and schedule risks.

Mister Becker said the original bond for phase 1 was $3,646,000. "We're at about 41% completion to date," he said, and reported spend to date of $1,400,000 with a balance to finish of just over $2,000,000. He told the committee that a large portion of the remaining cost—"in excess of $1,000,000"—is attributable to the central video wall. "The video components themselves are on a very slow boat from China. So we are hopeful they'll be here sometime in June," Becker said.

Becker outlined progress across 27 line items grouped in phase 1. Completed and in-use work includes roof refurbishment (completed and paid), eight suite renovations, newly purchased kitchen equipment (100 percent installed at $145,807) and a newly installed walk-in freezer that came in under the allocated $114,620 at roughly $104,000 after a change in compressor placement. Several projects are staged for spring or summer work: parking-lot paving and concrete repairs, door and hardware replacement, blower and valve work on HVAC lines, chiller work and refrigeration leak detectors for ice-plant systems. Ice-plant repairs are at about 66% complete, Becker said, and additional ice-floor repairs have been completed or are in process.

Becker said some planned work was canceled after a cost–benefit review. "Boiler controls...came out to be about 5% and that just did not justify the expense of dollars 111,000. So we took that one off the plate," he said, referring to projected energy savings that fell short of expectations.

On cost savings, Becker reported several underspends: a skid steer arrived at a lower final cost, saving $23,728; portable concession stands were purchased for about $40,000 versus a $41,000 allocation; two-way radios budgeted at $150,000 came in at $129,923; and UPS protection work (estimated at $22,696) is currently about 69% complete with an anticipated final cost lower than budgeted. He also said some items—marquee, ribbon boards, cabling and AV control-room materials—have arrived and will be effective when the main video wall is installed.

Alderman Vincent asked whether any projects looked to exceed budget. Becker said the video wall is the only item likely to come in "more" and added that tariffs or shipping delays could affect that line item. "The tariffs haven't hit us yet," Becker said, and later added, "I don't think there's anything's gonna be an overrun. Except for the billboard." The committee emphasized that paving and other summer projects must be scheduled around events; Becker replied the staff will schedule work to avoid disrupting bookings.

Committee members also asked about event demand and community use. Becker said promoters and talent are aware of the improvements and that the upgrades will increase flexibility for staging and for school commencements. He listed recently announced and upcoming shows at the arena, including Rascal Flatts, Jeff Dunham, Duran Duran, Creed (on sale Friday), Phish (three shows that sold out quickly), Monster Jam, Boston Pops, Jim Gaffigan, and comedian Matt Reif, for whom Becker said the arena had sold more than 11,555 tickets. He added that local productions such as Combat Zones (MMA) and Comic Con are performing well.

The committee received the update and asked for a copy of the project spreadsheet. Becker said the official project spreadsheet is being maintained by DPW, and he offered to provide a simplified version for the committee. The formal meeting record shows the committee adjourned on a motion by Alderman Vincent, seconded by Alderman Fajardo; the motion carried on an "all in favor" voice vote.

The committee indicated it expects another update in a few months as the project progresses and as delayed components arrive.