Bridgestone Arena officials presented a schematic vision on Sept. 25 to renovate and modernize the 30-year-old venue, expand concourses to meet Broadway and Demumbrian, add premium amenities and seats, and replace core systems. Kyle Clayton, identified in the presentation as chief strategy officer for Bridgestone Arena, said the plan is in early schematic design and that the arena intends to fund the work through users and operations rather than seek public debt, citing the 2019 lease and related agreements.

Clayton presented a budget range of about $650 million to $750 million to cover the capital backlog identified in last year's CAMP report plus new amenity and premium-space investments. "We're not gonna have any public debt or financing on this project," Clayton said, describing a funding approach that relies on the arena's users and a lease structure amended in 2019. He said the project will address HVAC and ice systems, seating, loading and show-turnaround efficiency, and also add retail, bars, restaurants and brand signage on the plaza.

Renderings shown to the Authority depict glass-lined concourses extending to the street on four levels, expanded event-level back-of-house made possible by excavating currently earth-filled space, and a redesigned plaza marquee intended for year-round programming and occasional staging. Clayton said the event level expansion would add roughly 75,000 square feet of usable space below the existing concourse, and the overall plan aims to add between 600 and 800 seats across the building while creating a new dedicated press box and additional premium spaces.

Officials said the renovation is primarily an arena modernization, not a separate development project, though concepts for an office or tower on the block are being studied as possibilities. Board members were told heavy internal work will require seasonal shutdown windows during summers (Clayton and staff estimated an 8
2-week window for core tasks) and that the authority can expect phased work with a goal to deliver the core visible improvements around 2030 and continued updates over a multi-decade program through 2049.

When directors raised questions, presenters said led marquee lighting and signage would be a mix of static and motion displays, staff office space could be re-centered on-site if a tower is built or through expanded interior programing, and building operations will be coordinated to minimize long-term impacts on bookings. The presenters said they are working with booking agents to re-sequence shows where possible and that the building's market position strengthens the ability to move some events outside summer windows.

Authority staff noted legal considerations tied to material alterations will require involvement from Metro Legal and other advisors as the project advances. No formal action was taken; this was an informational presentation of early concepts, budget range and schedule.