Dane County officials in Wisconsin have officially announced plans to renovate the historic Veterans Memorial Coliseum (VMC) through a $150 million public-private partnership (P3). Construction is slated to begin in 2026.
The county released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for interested parties to pitch a reimagined, modernized stadium on Sept. 23. To be considered for the project, applicants must submit a proposal by Nov. 21.
The 55-year-old coliseum has been a historic landmark for the county for decades, providing a concert capacity of more than 10,000 seats and basketball and hockey capacities of nearly 9,500 and 7,900 respectively. However, without any further significant updates, the structure’s outdated amenities and nonfunctional rigging grid means that it will fall out of favor in competition with other event venues.
Proposals must include plans to incorporate top-of-the-line mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as a cornerstone facet of the plan. These include replacing the current non-functional chiller plant and installing associated cooling towers and pumps to provide air conditioning. Plans to demolish the ammonia chiller plant should also be included. Additional system improvements include the replacement of two boilers with low-temperature hydronic alternatives, upgrading the electrical service and replacing four air handling units and all air dampeners.
The project will feature a new building automation system presiding over its lighting and HVAC controls. The coliseum’s current loading dock is in poor condition and must either be repaired or reconfigured. Additional installations will include an improved rigging system, show power and water for tour buses and fire protection, alarm and sprinkler systems.
The VMC is a part of the Alliant Energy Center, a county-owned and –operated campus. The county has developed a Vision Plan and Master Plan to guide future development as it works to modernize the entire campus. Additional work slated for on-site improvements includes an ongoing expansion to the exhibition hall, the construction of a show ring arena and various traffic and stormwater infrastructure enhancements.
Photo by Dori, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, from Wikimedia Commons
