The $8-million renovation to the University of Georgia’s Stegeman Coliseum has been completed, providing a dramatic new look and opportunity for equally impressive enhancements to the venue’s atmosphere.

 
The Coliseum’s updated “look” features new black seats, an improved LED lighting system, a state-of-the-art sound system and graphics above the horseshoe end celebrating past teams and retired jerseys. What will catch spectators’ eyes immediately, however, is the addition of a massive center-hung scoreboard. All of the aforementioned, coupled with considerably more LED graphics panels, will greatly enhance the atmosphere within the venue.
 
 

 
 
This summer’s work was Phase II of plans to upgrade Stegeman. Prior to last season, Phase I included the addition of an HD scoreboard and a dramatic mural covering the distinctive end wall of the arena’s east end.
 
 
More than $20 million has been spent over the past decade to give Stegeman a 21st-century facelift.
 
 
The current projects follow a $13-million renovation in 2010 that transformed Stegeman’s concourses, upgrading the graphics, enhancing spectator access to concessions and restrooms and adding 5,000-square feet of concourse space on each side of the arena. Those efforts won awards from both the American Institute of Architects and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
 
 

 
 
Center-hung scoreboard
 
1008 square feet of HD video
1054 square feet of LED sections
 
 
Additional LED features
 
800 square feet on 3 ribbon boards
500 square feet over the 12 entry portals
50 square feet over 2 tunnels
375 square feet on 1 auxiliary board
 
 
Additional HDvideo
 
275 square feet on pre-existing board
 
 

 
 
Head men’s basketball coach Mark Fox
 
“Obviously, we’re extremely excited about Stegeman not only for our fans but also for our players. This is going to have a tremendous impact on our program and our university. It’s beautiful inside. It’s very well done. I have to compliment the architects and the construction companies. They did a terrific job. I think it will change the energy in the building because we have more tools to create atmosphere. I was in there with Dominique Wilkins and his statement was pretty good. This is now an arena, and it feels like an arena.”
 
 
Head women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor
 
“Our fans are truly going to enjoy their experience at the newly-renovated Stegeman Coliseum. The new video board, the seats, and the LED lighting combine to give the arena a state-of-the-art look and feel that will enhance the game-day atmosphere for both our team and our fans. It is really important to us when someone comes to our games they leave pleased not only with how we played on the court but that it is a memorable and exciting experience. These new renovations go a long way in that regard, and I want to thank our administration for their commitment to our program.”
 
 
Head gymnastics coach Courtney Kupets Carter
 
“These renovations are going to have a big impact on the GymDogs’ program. It’s my first year as head coach, but from my experience, I know what it’s going to do. Fans, honestly, are going to be most excited about the center-hung scoreboard. It’s going to be fantastic, especially for the student section. I’m also personally excited about the new distribution of sound. It’s a whole new sound system that is going to make everything sound better. The sound will be better for the fans, but it also will allow the athletes to hear the fans a lot better.”
 
 
Head volleyball coach Tom Black
 
“It’s going to have a huge impact, and it already has as we have walked recruits through and tell them what this place is going to be like. That resonates. It’s already had a big impact, and it’s only going to continue to grow. There are so many new additions that are exciting. There’s the new video board. The black seats look great. The whole atmosphere should be electric. We’re excited about all of it. It’s a great honor to play in such an amazing arena.”