SDSU, A.S. announce Viejas Arena renovation study

San Diego State University Athletics and Associated Students have announced a renovation study for Viejas Arena aimed at improving one of the best fan experiences in the country.
 
This study will explore ways to improve the main concourse amenities including creating new in-venue social spaces and food and beverage options, increasing premium and hospitality experiences throughout the arena, and exploring complimentary services outside the arena to meet the needs of the growth of the west side of the campus.
 
"We are committed to improving the fan experience at Viejas Arena," said director of athletics John David Wicker. "We began considering renovations in 2019 and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had to delay the exploration. We need to continue to evolve and improve the fan experience and provide the best home atmosphere for our men's and women's basketball teams."
 
The Viejas Arena renovation study comes after the opening of SDSU's $310 million Snapdragon Stadium at SDSU Mission Valley, which debuted for the 2022 Aztec football season. It was funded through philanthropic gifts as well as system-wide revenue bonds, which will be paid back with revenue generated by the facility, including ticket revenue, sponsorships, naming rights and concessions.
 
"We are proud of what we have accomplished with Snapdragon Stadium, where we have significantly upgraded our fan experience, and we are excited with the program's direction under new head coach Sean Lewis," said Wicker. "We also continue to think of ways to improve our fan experience at Viejas Arena. With a perennial national power men's basketball program selling out virtually every home game, we are determined to provide the best possible fan experience," said Wicker.
 
The renovation study will also ensure Viejas Arena, operated by Associated Students, remains a top destination for concerts in the San Diego region. Identifying ways to create spaces that can be utilized throughout the year by students, campus constituents as well as the community, will also be a goal of the study. 
 
"At Viejas Arena, we proudly host over half a million guests each year for basketball games, concerts and community events," Viejas Arena director for Associated Students Tim Ripke said. "A renovation study for Viejas Arena isn't just about upgrading infrastructure; it's about identifying options for enhancing the social connectedness of our students and our broader campus and regional communities where we can come together, celebrate and create lasting memories at SDSU."
 
Viejas Arena, which opened in 1997, is home of SDSU basketball and numerous other events and activities, to include university functions, community events, concerts and special programs. In 2022, a new video board from Daktronics was unveiled along with a ribbon LED above the arena's entrance, an electronic marquee on 55th Street.
 
"Viejas Arena is a beloved space for students given all of the athletics events and ceremonies held there and, as has been the discussion for years, it is time for our campus to explore a renovation," said Tarek Morsy, president of Associated Students. "I look forward to what could possibly be developed for future generations of students, fans and university supporters."
 
The renovation study will inform the most comprehensive upgrade to Viejas Arena in its 27-year history. At the adjacent Aztec Recreation Center, also operated by Associated Students, an extensive renovation and expansion project was completed in 2021 and has helped improve efforts toward student well-being and fitness.
 
The Viejas Arena renovation study will begin with a market survey soliciting feedback from SDSU basketball fans, concertgoers, students and campus constituents. Information compiled from the survey will be used to inform the design considerations for the future renovations.