If you’re a meeting planner or convention organizer who knows little about Greenville, South Carolina, that’s about to change. According to a recent announcement, the Greenville Arena District or GAD (owner and operator of Bon Secours Wellness Arena), has contracted two architectural firms and Gensler Sports for master planning a 15,500-seat sports and entertainment arena. GAD is also in the process of re-imagining the whole district as the gateway into the flourishing city of Greenville, South Carolina, and selected one of the architectural firms, LMN, to oversee the urban design of the arena’s surrounding campus.
Consequently, the design teams will engage the local upstate community for input throughout the planning process, which is anticipated to take around six months. The vision for the master plan will include significant improvements to and an expansion of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to ensure its long-term success and its growth in the competitive Southeastern Region. (Bon Secours was formerly known as the BI-LO Center.) Master-planning services for the GAD campus will aim to transform it into a distinct destination. The newly imagined campus will embody a unique sense of place that will establish the area as a vibrant neighborhood, as well as a hub for live entertainment, music, and culture, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
As General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Beth Paul explains: “We have selected a world-class team to help deliver our vision for the arena’s future. Our mission is to enhance every aspect of the arena.”
The full scope of the urban transformation includes the building itself, the surrounding campus, fan-and-client experiences, sustainability practices, expanded programming, and security initiatives. “By doing this, we hope to attract premier talent and set the stage for unforgettable memories,” said the GM.
Currently, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is known for its world-class concert performances and has hosted an exhaustive list of famous recording artists, from Willie Nelson to Paul McCartney. It’s also a popular facility for various sports, including the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, World Wrestling Entertainment, UFC, Monster Jam, college basketball, and other action-packed events.
Traditional shows include Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Nontraditional acts such as the SC State Cheerleading Championships and Winter Jam are offered yearly. The venue is also highly sought after for corporate retreats, church events, tradeshows, and seminars. For more information, visit www.visitgreenville.com or www.greenvillearenadistrict.com.
