The committee of Miami University faculty, staff, and alumni reviewing locations for a potential new multipurpose arena has made the recommendation to Miami University President Gregory Crawford to consider building an arena at Cook Field, and relocating its current intramural fields to near where Millett Hall currently stands. President Crawford will take the committee’s recommendation forward to the Miami University Board of Trustees.

As innovative, students-first ideas and programming move forward from the MiamiTHRIVE strategic planning process, Miami is prioritizing these and other projects that directly benefit students and the community by supporting a vibrant and reinvigorated campus experience, as well as those that strengthen the local economy. A new, conveniently located multi-purpose event center and arena embodies these goals and spirit.

The committee considered feedback from more than 1,500 Miamians, as well as information about the sites and campus planning from the Physical Facilities Department Office of Planning, Architecture, and Engineering. 

“A sincere thank you to the committee members who dedicated time to carefully consider the concept of a new arena and its impact on students and the community,” President Crawford said. “I am thrilled that so many Miamians engaged in the process by offering support, sharing suggestions, and contributing valuable feedback about the potential sites.”

The Cook Field site is located adjacent to the proposed hotel and restaurant near the Farmer School of Business, Bachelor Hall, and Shideler Hall. Should the arena project move forward, Pulley Tower would remain and a master plan would be developed for the entire Cook Field site to explore how possible future projects, such as a conference center, retail spaces, and/or a parking garage, could be integrated into the overall site. The design will also incorporate Pulley Tower into the entrance of the building, emphasizing Miami’s traditional Georgian architecture, and providing a welcoming and beautiful entrance to campus. 

Choosing this site also gives the university the opportunity to invest about $13 million in upgrading student intramural fields. The current fields are used for a variety of intramural sports such as soccer, softball, flag football and ultimate frisbee, as well as for student events and community programs. The university plans to work closely with members of the Associated Student Government to design and create the new recreational fields so that they best meet the needs of students and their interests.  

The committee also considered an arena site on the Southwest Quad but determined the Cook Field site had numerous advantages including:

• A larger footprint with abundant space gives the ability to add additional facilities, including connection to potential future hotel and/or restaurants.
• The site is close to the North Parking Garage and has the room to add additional parking.
• The location at the intersection of State Route 73 and U.S. 27 will allow for improved control of traffic flow as well as direct entrance and exit from SR 73, which would limit traffic congestion on campus.
• The space would not require removal of existing buildings.
• The Southwest Quad space would be preserved for future opportunities for the expansion of academic programming. 
• The Cook Field site provides better facilitation for simultaneous dual activities held in the new arena and other campus events like commencements, concerts, conferences, creative arts performances, career fairs and more.
• The location is in close proximity to several campus residence halls, which should promote greater student access and participation at campus events held at the location.
• "This proposed project is an exciting opportunity to enhance Miami and the Oxford community for years to come, and we look forward to continuing to explore the idea of a new arena," President Crawford said.