MIAMI SPORTS

New arena at Cook Field site gets board approval

OXFORD, OH  -- After listening to some late input on a proposed new multi-purpose arena plan, Miami University's Board of Trustees unanimously (17-0) approved the roughly $242 million project Friday. 

The arena itself will replace 58-year-old Millett Hall -- home for Miiami basketball, volleyball and various events over the years. The plan still needs approval by the chancellor of Ohio's Department of Education. 

Built in 1968, Millett Hall originally . . . 

. . . housed one varsity sport in men’s basketball. Volleyball and women’s basketball were both added in 1974. At least $175 million would be necessary to renovate, add practice courts, and a dedicated volleyball court to Millett Hall. That building would need to be taken offline for multiple years in order to complete improvements. 

The new multipurpose arena will facilitate concurrent, student-related activities and other campus events, such as commencements, concerts, creative arts performances, career fairs, and more.  It is expected to be complete for the beginning of the athletic season in the fall of 2028.

Artist rendering of new arena at Cook Field site. (Mami U). Click picture for story.

Opposition to the project largely revolved around two major issues -- cost and location. Over 3,600 people signed a petition in opposition. 

•  The expected price tag for arena construction is about $242 million, with up to $281 million authorized by the Board for the arena, and associated ancillary costs. 

•  The site would be present-day Cook Field, which has been a key location for intramural athletic activities over the years. 

Proponents of the project cited much-needed space, physical operation and code improvements that will be possible in a new facility. Crowding and scheduling conflicts were among problems noted.

Director of Athletics David Saylor told the board Miami a new arena is crucial to the university's future. “We are in a unique and dynamic time for Miami University Athletics,” Sayler said. “It is time to innovate, invest, and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the university.”

The Cook Field site was recommended last year by a committee of faculty, staff and alumni who reviewed potential locations. In addition to hosting the new arena, Cook Field also provides space for development, including connection to potential future hotel and/or restaurants.

Significantly, the site location at the intersection of State Route 73 and U.S. 27 would allow for improved control of traffic flow and direct entrance and exit from State Route 73, limiting traffic congestion on campus.

As for intramural programs, the school said the new project will allow it to expand its intramural offerings. 

•  Intramural soccer and flag football fields are planned at Millett Hall, along with a walking path and exercise stations.

•  There are also plans for a multi-purpose field supporting full-size soccer fields, softball fields, flag football fields, a rugby field, a lacrosse field, and intramural soccer fields at Chestnut Fields (near the south end of campus).

Construction of new recreation facilities at Millett and Chestnut Fields is expected to begin in May 2026 and be completed in September 2026. This will allow Cook Field to go off-line in September 2026 to begin construction of the new arena.