![]() Under the plan chosen after the Baltimore Development Corp. “OVG has proven its reputation for innovation in the venue space, and we’re looking forward to working with them to bring Baltimore Arena and a myriad sports and entertainment opportunities to life in Baltimore.” “We’re thrilled that the Baltimore Development Corporation has selected our partners at Oak View Group for this groundbreaking renovation,” Durant and Kleiman said via press release. There is a local tie here: Durant is a native of Prince George’s County. Thirty Five Ventures is an investment firm led by NBA star Kevin Durant and his partner/manager, Rich Kleiman. Oak View Group is developing multiple arenas across the country, including Climate Pledge Arena, set to open as home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken in 2021, and UBS Arena, to open this fall as the new home of the New York Islanders (NHL). But its utility in this modern era has been limited, and it’s been clear changes were needed to compete.Įnter Oak View Group and Thirty Five Ventures. Since then the 14,000-capacity arena has played host to a variety of minor-league sports as well as hosting a number of high-profile concerts and events. Opening in 1962 as the Baltimore Civic Center, Royal Farms Arena was home to the Baltimore Bullets ( NBA) until that team’s move to Landover, MD. The choice has always been between Royal Farms Arena renovations and building a new arena/convention center elsewhere in the city, as you can see by the list of related stories at the end of this story. With Baltimore grappling with this issue for years, we now have what appears to be a solid plan for Royal Farms Arena renovations backed by Oak View Group and Thirty Five Ventures. Royal Farms reportedly paid a $250,000 a year to have it's name on the building, so it doesn't come cheap.By Kevin Reichard on Jin Future Arenas, Future Arenas Articles Meanwhile, naming rights are still up for grabs. Rather, renovations are being funded by developers the Oak View Group (OVG), along with additional funds by an investment firm founded by NBA star Kevin Durant called Thirty-Five Ventures.Īlthough the official groundbreaking is Thursday, construction walls and equipment have been on site for several weeks. ![]() RELATED: Royal Farms Arena is one step closer to getting a whole new look The renovation project cost $150 million, although no public funds are being spent to complete it. Sports fans also can expect to see NCAA games along with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The CIAA basketball tournament has already committed to returning to Baltimore and keeping the games here through 2025. There's also a proposal to close down Hopkins Plaza and create a new outdoor festival area.īesides all of the physical changes happening, more events also are headed to the Baltimore Arena. ![]() Moving the stage will allow for more lower-level seating and overall seating will increase from 14,000 to 16,000. While inside the arena, renderings show a sophisticated new look with plush seating, dramatic concourses and a pushed backstage. Outside the arena, renderings show a sparkling new exterior shell, big and bold LED billboards, dazzling lighting, and terraces to enjoy a warm summer evening. ![]() The future looks bright for the arena formerly known as the Royal Farms Arena, with more seating, better concessions and eventually a new name on the way for February 2023. Developers are hosting a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon to celebrate the $150 million renovation project. BALTIMORE - The 60-year-old Baltimore Arena in downtown is officially getting a facelift. ![]()
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